The discipleship taught by Jesus differed from the practices of the rabbis. His followers were called to leave everything and dedicate their entire lives to his mission. And they were called TO FOLLOW HIM. In contrast, students educated in rabbinical schools became disciples of the Torah and not of individual teachers.
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The Young Rich Man
SYNOPSIS: To follow Jesus means to surrender one’s entire life, past, present, and future, and to walk wherever he leads, no questions asked – Mark 10:17-31.
One day a young rich man ran up to Jesus to ask him what he should do to inherit everlasting life. In this story, the reader is confronted with the cost and meaning of discipleship. Matthew describes this man as “young” and Luke’s version refers to him as a “ruler.” While the young man’s haste and his act of kneeling before Jesus were unusual, they point to his sincerity, which is confirmed by the comment that Jesus loved him (Mark 10:17-31). Continue reading
The Church and Tribulation
SYNOPSIS: In the book of Revelation, faithful saints experience “tribulation,” whereas, the unrepentant undergo “wrath.”
The book of Revelation pictures followers of the Lamb exiting the “Great Tribulation,” not through their removal from the Earth but because of their perseverance through it. This is most pronounced in a vision received by John of an “innumerable multitude” of men and women from every nation coming out of the “Great Tribulation,” to stand before the Lamb who redeemed them by his sacrificial death. Continue reading
Christian Response to Persecution
SYNOPSIS: When Christians react to hostility from State or Society with anger and rebellion, Satan triumphs.
According to some accounts, the persecution of Christians around the world is on the rise. This raises a fundamental question – How should Christians react to persecution, especially, when implemented by governing authorities? Ought we to respond with indignation, civil disobedience, and public protests? Do we not have the civil “right” to do so in Western-style democracies? Or should we follow the examples of Jesus, the Apostles, and the early church? Continue reading
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