Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church

Disciples to Apostles

Disciple: a committed follower or student of a teacher (or teachings)

After Jesus was baptized, he spent approximately three years teaching, preaching, and healing. People gathered to hear this man who taught with authority, unlike any others. Jesus invited people to follow him and apply his teachings. Jesus said, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28).

Jesus taught his followers to keep their priorities straight and to be obedient to God. He kept his teachings simple so each disciple could remember them. Jesus taught, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22: 37-40) It sounds simple, but it is challenging to live these commandments in daily life.

Jesus did more than speak words. He lived his teachings and embodied love. He continues to invite people to follow him, to become his students and to invest time to learn to apply his teachings.

What does it mean for you to follow Jesus?
How much time do you invest each week to learn and apply the teachings of Jesus?

Apostle: one who is sent on a mission; commissioned

Jesus began with listeners, those intrigued, inspired, and convicted by his teachings. Then, Jesus invited them to follow him, learning more each day. This was part of a greater plan to send his followers on a mission.

The mission began with the twelve disciples. They were sent in teams of two to heal and to preach about the reign of God. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, these twelve were commissioned for a greater mission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20). That commission extends to disciples of Christ in every time and place.

Jesus teaches us to be disciples and then sends us to teach others. We are given the privilege to teach others about the love of God made known through Jesus Christ. We bear witness to the Good News of Christ, encouraging others to follow Jesus.

               Where and to whom is God sending you?
               Who are you discipling?
               Do you consider yourself a disciple more than an apostle? How so?
               How might God be equipping you to be an apostle, sent on God's mission into the world?
Disciples of Jesus become apostles - people sent on God's mission.

Writer: Robin McCullough-Bade
copyright © 2004 Evangelical Lutheran church in America.
May be reproduced for local, non-sale use provided the above copyright notice is included.
E-Tips, Division for congregational Ministries - Evangelism.
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1948 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126

Disciples to Apostles

1948 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126