Reflecting on Matthew 28:16-20 (again)“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)
As a Jesus follower, I believe that Jesus is Ruler of all creation.
If Jesus were a Ruler like humans are, He would want to make subjects.
He would focus on – and enforce – submission, obedience and loyalty.
But Jesus wants more than subjects, He wants students.
A disciple is a student or apprentice, training with Jesus.
Jesus is our Rabbi, Teacher, and Trainer for life in God’s kingdom.
He modelled what exercising power and authority look like.
And He wants all people to exercise power and authority like that.
We are being trained to rule WITH, LIKE and FOR Jesus.
Jesus sends His disciples to make more disciples like them.
They have not graduated, but remain students making students.
They are not over other disciples, but equal with them.
“You are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers… Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah.” (Matthew 23:8,10)
All people, from all nations, are equally invited as disciples.
Jesus does not put one group or race class or gender over others.
There is no clergy, no specialized group set apart as priests.
Those recognized as ‘elders’ are merely older disciples, still learning.
No hired professionals who’ve graduated as masters of divinity!
All are elevated equally rulers in training WITH, LIKE and FOR Jesus.
If I am not learning, or training, or practicing, I am not a good student.
Jesus teaches me by His Spirit, but also through fellow disciples.
I need to both teach and learn from other disciples, as we train together.
I also need to learn from disciples from different cultures and contexts.
What can I learn from Indigenous disciples, Haitian disciples?
I am not above, I am not ahead, I am not before… we are all disciples.
How do I go and make disciples?
It starts with being a disciple, modelling the Jesus Way.
People were drawn to the Way Jesus lived and loved and served.
Most people anyway, not those who wanted power and privilege.
As I go into my world, I need to reflect Jesus’s character.
The Spirit of Jesus is producing the fruit of His character in me.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness.
Faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
I live this Way WITH, LIKE and FOR Jesus, and invite others to join me.
There is no greater apologetic for the message of Jesus.
And failing to live like this drives many away from Jesus and His Way.
If I want to make good students of Jesus, I need to be a good student of Jesus.
I need to train and practice in the Jesus Way.
As a student of Jesus, am I doing my homework?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, today again I am showing up for school to learn, train and practice ruling with You in Your humble, loving, gracious Way. Forgive me for turning Your call on my life into a position of power and privilege.
Thank You for releasing my from my claim to be a 'Master of Divinity', and making me once again a student, growing WITH, LIKE and FOR You, and helping others do the same. I want to be a good student, helping others be good students.
The Rabbi was the teacher of the discciples, being trained to become like Him, following Him in every move. I need to do the same, becoming more like Jesus unto others. Christian by name, imaging Christ in my life. I need to be practicing His presence in my daily life. Other need to see Christ in me by what I say and do. I need to be like Christ Jesus to them. Help me daily Lord to do just that.