Compassionate Discipleship
What does it truly mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Is it simply about knowing what he said, or is there more to it? As Dallas Willard wisely put it, "A disciple [of Jesus] is a person who has decided that the most important thing in their life is to learn how to do what Jesus said to do." Let’s explore how Jesus shaped his disciples through divine encounters and what that means for us as modern-day followers.
The Essence of Discipleship: Learning and Doing
To be a disciple is to be an apprentice, a student sitting under a teacher. But it's not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about putting that knowledge into action. As disciples, we're called to constantly learn and do, learn and do. It's a lifelong journey of transformation.
Jesus' Heart for the Broken
Let's look at a powerful example from Matthew 12:9-10:
"Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, 'Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?'"
In this encounter, we see that Jesus' heart for the broken leads to compassionate discipleship. Despite the Pharisees' attempt to trap him, Jesus' immediate concern was for the man's well-being. This highlights a crucial aspect of his ministry – and ours: Jesus' compassion for others solidifies him as a different kind of teacher with a new way of love and compassion.
Challenging Religious Traditions
Jesus wasn't afraid to challenge deeply-held beliefs and traditions. When questioned about healing on the Sabbath, he responded:
"If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." (Matthew 12:11-12)
Jesus' methods embraced controversy and challenged religious traditions. He taught that the spirit of the law supersedes the letter of the law, prioritizing compassion over rigid interpretations.
Divine Encounters Shape Disciples
Jesus' disciples were shaped by these divine encounters. They witnessed his compassion in action, his willingness to challenge unjust systems, and his prioritization of human well-being over religious formalities.
After one particularly dramatic encounter, we see the disciples' growing understanding:
"Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.'" (Matthew 14:33)
Later, when Jesus asked them directly who they thought He was, Peter replied:
"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16)
These moments of Revelation show the transforming power of discipleship. As followers of Christ, we too are to be shaped and formed by the love and mercy of Jesus we experience in life.
Becoming Modern Disciples
So what does this mean for us today? As modern disciples of Christ, we are shaped and molded by our experiences with Jesus. Each encounter leaves an indelible mark on our lives, shaping us into his image and equipping us for service in the world.
It's not an easy path, and we won't always get it right. But remember, it's a life-long pursuit of learning and doing, becoming all that God has created us to be.
Putting It Into Practice
Embrace Jesus' call to compassionate discipleship. Look for opportunities to show Christ-like love to those around you, even when it's challenging.
Don't be afraid to question traditions or practices that seem to contradict Jesus’ teachings of love and compassion.
Reflect on your own encounters with Jesus. How have they shaped you? How can you lean into these experiences to grow further?
Commit to both learning and doing. Study Jesus' teachings, but also actively seek ways to put them into practice in your daily life.
Remember, the way of Jesus is not about simply trying harder to be a better person. It's about wholeheartedly following his compassionate example through learning, doing, and being shaped by our own experiences with his mercy, grace, and love.
May we all commit ourselves to this journey of compassionate discipleship, constantly learning how to do what Jesus did and being transformed in the process.
Reflection:
How might rigid adherence to religious traditions sometimes prevent us from showing compassion?
In what ways can we emulate Jesus' example of prioritizing human needs over legalistic interpretations?
How has your own understanding of God's law been challenged or expanded through encounters with Jesus?
Are there areas in your life where you need to rethink deeply-held beliefs to align more closely with Christ's compassion?
Application:
This week, intentionally look for opportunities to show compassion, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone or challenging conventional wisdom. Reflect on how these acts of kindness align with Jesus' teachings and example.
Prayer:
Loving Father, thank you for the example of Jesus, who showed us that your law is fulfilled through love and compassion. Help us to be shaped by our encounters with you, transforming us into vessels of your grace. Give us the courage to challenge our own assumptions and to prioritize showing your love to others, even when it's difficult. Mold us into true disciples who learn and do, constantly growing in your likeness. In Jesus' name, Amen
