A Journey with Jesus
By Rob Fields, 2017
Introduction Matthew 5-7
The work of Jesus to serve is in the very early stages. People have heard Him speak as many prophets before but now with an urgency of the Kingdom being closer. Word is spreading in the region of healings of the sick and freedom from demonic control. His popularity among the crowds is intensifying and no doubt He has a following. As He journeys down the pathways from city to city, He shares lessons about righteousness, love, the Scriptures. His teachings are not like others whether religious or philosophical. He is the Master craftsman sharing with a new group of apprentice’s powerful and rich concepts that move into a realm of true wisdom.
Today we have numerous and excellent discipleship materials. Study guides and one on one programs to assist followers in their spiritual journey. What would the mature follower of Jesus look like? With this in mind what disciplines or truths would be helpful in bringing a person to this maturity? We may gather in a room and discuss that prayer is essential. We suggest that bible study and fellowship are key topics to include in our material. Soon the list grows and we have various topics that we could teach to help in discipleship. No doubt all are wonderful and have had an impact upon many lives.
Let’s take a moment to consider what would be the topics Jesus would suggest? If He was sitting in the room during our brainstorming session would He suggest bible study, prayer, fellowship, and others? Again, these are very valuable and necessary to our spiritual journey. He does provide a collection of virtues truths and teachings to assist us in our spiritual journey. The people following Jesus at this point of His life are in the early stages of understanding the righteous life. The slate is clean and what would be some key topics and lessons the Master would share with His followers? He begins with short sayings known as the Beatitudes. He shares about loving your enemy. Seeking the Kingdom of God above all else is critical for the heart serving Him. Surely these teachings of Jesus are not to be just heard but acted upon as doers of His words. The point is simple; Jesus gives us the basic topics of demonstrating a godly life along with His discourse on these virtues. Here is our discipleship curriculum developed and implemented by the Master Himself.
THOUGHTS / DISCUSSION:
- Share together of what the follower of Jesus looks like.
- What are some of the key lessons a followers should understand? (example: prayer, bible study, and such)
- What discipleship material have you benefited from in the past or currently?
- Barclay remarks that what is known as a sermon may have been a summary of lessons given over a period of time. Thoughts regarding his point.
NEXT WEEK: Beatitudes Overview