Matthew 4:17-25

 Matthew 4:17-25

Jesus began preaching about the kingdom and immediately started calling disciples. Making disciples is apparently pretty important for Jesus and for his ministry purposes, but is apparently of little value to the contemporary American church. What does it mean to make a disciple? To be a disciple means to follow. It is certainly more than to listen of a weekly sermon. It is time together with the Master consistently in order to hear the teachings of the Master. Often the disciples had Jesus to themselves and in these times they discussed in detail his public teaching. Going out and repeating the process is a part of being a disciple. The disciples Jesus called were evidently successful in their trades. Entering into poverty for the kingdom is an excellent trade off.

Three aspects of Jesus‘ ministry are mentioned in this passage. First, teaching in the synagogues would have been the exposition of Scripture. Those who would follow Jesus must be a people who know the Word of God. Second, proclaiming the kingdom would have been the public ministry of Jesus in his teachings. It is tragic that almost all the proclamation of the church is directed at the church. Most of Jesus’ teaching occurred outside of the context of the synagogues. Third, healing ministry of Jesus-making a difference. The Lord’s presence meant that things were going to change for people. That cannot always be said for Christians or for the church today.

As disciples we must ask ourselves are we following the Lord’s pattern? Currently, the American church is spending the vast majority of its budget, time and energy on taking care of its own. The church expects the lost to come in, in order to receive. Many Christians feel that to watch or perhaps participate in the church’s function is enough. It isn’t. But serving the Lord can be difficult. But to enter into trouble, hardship, frustration or poverty while doing these three is a great trade.

Prayer thought: Lord, don’t let us waste so much as one day of our lives. Instead, let us give every day to You in order that You may do through us what You will, Amen.