Being a Disciple of Christ

In my Sunday School class, we're starting a new study on what it means to be a disciple, or follower, of Christ. I've done this study before, but since we have a lot of fresh meat - Oh, I mean, new students in the class, we figured we would do this study again. Honestly, I have forgotten most of it, so it will be a great reminder for me.

We began Sunday morning by looking at Matthew 10:16-39, a portion of what Jesus told the twelve apostles after He called them to follow Him. You could consider this speech as the job description for these men. But unlike potential employers today who generally sugar coat everything and leave out the nasty aspects of each job, Jesus was brutally honest when laying out the pros and cons that apply to both the apostles at that time and to us now.

Jesus gave them many instructions, including have the wisdom of a snake but the gentleness of a dove, do not be worried about what to say, and beware of men but do not fear them. Love God more than family, and take up your cross to follow Him. All these warnings and the reference to a humiliating death doesn't sound too great, does it?

But Jesus also gave them some assurances. He said His Spirit would give them the words to say when they need them. He also gave them a heck of an encouragement in the comparison to sparrows in verses 29-31. Stating that the cheapest of birds are of concern to God, Jesus assured His audience that the God who cares for those birds cares so much more for them that He even keeps track of the number of hairs on their heads. So even though the instructions are difficult and intimidating, God is going to take care of them (and us) no matter what.

Accompanying those instructions and assurances are also some statements of what would happen to them. Jesus said they would be hated because of their association with Christ. They would also be brought to trial before kings, their families would be divided, and they may even suffer death for His sake. As a side note, the death and suffering thing generally does not happen where we are, and I am ever so thankful for that, but it is happening all over the globe to other followers of Christ who continue to follow in spite of the results.

If this were any standard job interview, I would be grabbing my stuff and running out the door at this point. Is the position difficult? Are the outcomes harsh? Yes and yes, but is it reasonable?? At first thought, one would think not. But upon considering all the pain and suffering Jesus endured for me, it quickly becomes a reasonable aspect of the position. Jesus gave His life for me, and in return I have surrendered my life to Him, so I should be willing to do anything He asks of me no matter the consequences.

So why would Jesus choose to discuss the horrible aspects of the job first while typical employers would hide such details? Because He has absolutely no use for sissy, fair weather followers who would grab their stuff and run out the door at the first sign of such trouble. He wants dedicated people who are totally sold out for Him. The position of a follower of Christ is no easy task, but it has undoubtedly worthwhile benefits. Verse 39 ends saying, "he who loses His life for My sake will find it." If you dedicate your life to Christ entirely, then He will give you eternal life in His presence. That's the golden parachute in addition to all the other perks that makes the job awesome. Now, where do I sign?