Many people are having significant reactions to this
series. Some people are appreciating the
challenge it makes to their discipleship.
Others are reacting adversely to it.
Either reaction is great as far as I am concerned. The gospel message of Jesus was never meant
to be something that failed to bring about a strong reaction in people. Think of the Pharisees and teachers of the
law who wanted Jesus put to death because he challenged the status quo. Think of the crowd that were so passionate
about the potential of Jesus on Palm Sunday and then were so disappointed with
him by Good Friday that they turned against him and in their revenge wanted a
convicted criminal set free. Think also
of the many who responded to Jesus positively and gave much to follow him. Zacchaeus the Tax Collector gave half of his
possessions to the poor and repaid four times anybody he’d cheated. Jesus says “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their
cross daily and follow me. For whoever
wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will
save it” (Luke 9:23, 24). When we
have adverse reactions to the gospel of Jesus, we need to consider whether we
are reacting because we are a fan.
This series stirs us out of our assumptions about following
Jesus. No, we’re not all called to sell
our houses, quit our jobs and work in a community centre. Yes, we are all called to love and value
Jesus above our homes and possessions and above the things that define our
importance and place in this world. This
series gives us a chance to reflect on whether our allegiance to Jesus affects
us deeply, or whether it is a feel good aspect of our lives that moulds itself
around the lives that we would live anyway.
The terminology of being a follower fits into our purpose of
Growing Disciples. Growing Disciples are
also seeking to grow in their obedience, love and surrender to the God who has
given them everything. They are not
content with a superficial relationship, but earnestly seek an ever deepening
connection with him. That is not always
easier, the life of a follower is characterised by a
radical reorientation to the way of God’s kingdom and away from this world and
our pursuit of self-interest. “Anyone who loves their father or mother more
than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than
me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not
take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and
whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (Matt 101:37-39).
