Dios no olvidó

Porque Dios no es injusto para olvidar vuestra obra y el trabajo de amor que habéis mostrado hacia su nombre, habiendo servido a los santos y sirviéndolos aún. Hebreos 6:10.

Cuando éramos pequeños y terminaba el culto sabático, mis hermanos y yo nos ubicábamos a la salida de la iglesia para preguntar a las visitas si ya tenían donde almorzar. Una de las experiencias más hermosas del sábado era llevar visitas para almorzar en casa. Hasta hoy, en casa de mi madre y en la nuestra siempre hay invitados los sábados. Es una alegría compartir no sólo las bendiciones espirituales del culto, sino también el almuerzo.

La visita del pastor en casa era otra fiesta. El pastor visitaba nuestra pequeña congregación una o dos veces por año, y en esa ocasión mamá colocaba el mantel azul con fresas rojas, bordado por ella misma. Antes de llegar el pastor, nos advertía: “Hoy viene el siervo de Dios. Tengan mucho respeto”.

Por aquel tiempo yo era apenas un muchachito de siete u ocho años, y no podía imaginarme que un día sería pastor, y que los hermanos también abrirían las puertas de sus casas y me harían sentar a su mesa.

En el versículo de hoy el apóstol registra una promesa hermosa para quienes desean ser cada día más semejantes a Jesús. “Dios no es injusto para olvidar vuestra obra y el trabajo de amor que habéis mostrado hacia su nombre, habiendo servido a los santos y sirviéndolos aún”. ) Cada acto en favor de los miembros de la iglesia, por menor que sea, está registrado en los libros celestiales.

Andando por el nordeste del Brasil, cierta vez llegué junto con el Pr. Abraham Dantas a la casa de un humilde hermano. Todo lo que tenía para ofrecernos era un poco de melaza, harina y agua. A las 5 de la tarde, después de una larga jornada sin alimentarnos, ese era un almuerzo de primera. Sin embargo, con certeza lo más interesante de todo es que en los registros celestiales está anotado: “Un poco de melaza, harina y agua dados con amor a dos cansados pastores” (ver S. Mateo 10:42).

Le ruego a Dios que el espíritu de hospitalidad no desaparezca de en medio de su pueblo, porque algunos, sin saberlo, “hospedaron ángeles” (Hebreos 13:2).

Pr. Alejandro Bullón

La palabra suave

La respuesta suave aplaca la Ira, pero la palabra áspera hace subir el furor. Proverbios 15:1.

Dar una respuesta hiriente o hablar una palabra dura no es más que la demostración de que algo está mal allí adentro. Nadie se perderá por no haber controlado sus palabras. Porque no controlar las palabras es la evidencia de que la persona ya está en estado de perdición.

El consejo bíblico de hoy va más allá de las consecuencias sociales de nuestras palabras. Es preciso corregir lo que realmente está mal. ¿De qué sirve quedar en silencio ante una palabra airada si uno no deja de cerrar los labios con fuerza y mirar con dureza? Hasta el silencio necesita ser cariñoso.

Si la persona quisiera seguir el consejo de Salomón al pie de la letra, concluiría que el mudo nunca tendría dificultades con otras personas; pero no es así. La respuesta blanda no necesita ser blanda simplemente en la forma, necesita nacer blanda en el corazón. La palabra suave no es suave porque lo es el tono de la voz, sino porque nace como un manantial de aguas frescas en el interior de la persona.

En el Antiguo Testamento encontramos un incidente que nos muestra cómo la respuesta suave puede evitar consecuencias funestas. David y cuatrocientos guerreros subían, con espadas en las manos, para destruir al rico e insensible Nabal por haber ofendido con palabras a los diez mensajeros que David le había enviado para saludarlo. Esa noche sería una noche de destrucción, pero Abigail, la sabia y famosa esposa de Nabal, supo de lo acontecido y salió al encuentro de David con una palabra suave, pidiendo disculpas en favor de su marido. Esa “palabra suave” hizo que David reflexionara y se diera cuenta de que también estaba equivocado al dejarse guiar por sus sentimientos de venganza. Como resultado, ese día fue un día de paz para todos (1 Samuel 25:12-35).

Si esperas ser cada día más semejante a Jesús, buscarás cada día su compañerismo, su gracia y su poder. Te deleitarás en la contemplación de su carácter manso y humilde de corazón”, y con alegría descubrirás que es natural dar una respuesta blanda y una palabra suave, incluso en medio de la tempestad.

Pr. Alejandro Bullón

Sustancias depresoras: el Alcohol (1ª parte)

A lo largo de una serie de artículos voy a escribir sobre diferentes drogas legales o ilegales y sus efectos a corto y largo plazo para el individuo. Esta serie de artículos están extraídos del temario de Pedagogía de la drogadicción del autor Albert Morantinos Jaume, profesor de la UIB y psicólogo del Centro de Atención en Drogodependencias de Mallorca.

Estos artículos tienen la intención de que cada internauta conozca, descubra y sea orientado sobre el consumo de drogas, sus consecuencias, y todo lo que pueda ayudar al lector en su prevención ya que cada día aumenta el número de consumidores de estas sustancias.

El alcohol

Su origen proviene de la fermentación de diversos productos de origen vegetal, el más común en nuestra sociedad sería la uva, pero existen otros productos vegetales como frutas, granos o bayas de los cuales también se puede realizar un proceso de fermentación en su zumo. Las bebidas que son destiladas son las que más grados de alcohol tienen.

Efectos en el Sistema Nervioso Central:
- Disminución de las funciones orgánicas como pulso, respiración etc. Aunque consumido en pequeñas dosis el efecto parece desinhibidor, realmente no lo es.

Efectos a corto plazo:
- Deshinhibidor (euforia, alegría, seguridad o sensación de control)
- Agresividad, búsqueda del riesgo.
- Sensación de calor, pero no es real ya que la temperatura sólo aumenta a nivel periférico, mientras que los órganos internos experimentan el efecto contrario.
- Vómitos ya que el cuerpo no puede absorber el exceso de alcohol ingerido.
- Falta de coordinación psicomotora, con pérdida del equilibrio, lentitud de reflejos, aumento del tiempo de reacción, visión restringida, doble o somnolencia.

Efectos a largo plazo:
- Hepatitis
- Cirrosis
- Úlceras y gastritis.
- Comportamientos desadaptados a nivel social, familiar y laboral
- Dependencia física y psicológica del alcohol.

Síndrome de abstinencia:
- Aunque parezca increíble el alcohol es la única sustancia capaz de provocar la muerte por su síndrome de abstinencia.

Apoyo en la desintoxicación y deshabituación:
- Se requiere de profesionales especializados.

¿Estamos listos para encontrarlo?

Vendrá el señor de aquel siervo en día que éste no espera, y a la hora que no sabe. S. Mateo 24:50.

¿La proximidad del regreso de Cristo debería ser un motivo para prepararnos? ¿Y si Cristo no volviera en breve, tendríamos motivos para estar listos?

El Padre no nos reveló ni el día ni la hora del regreso de Jesús porque quería que nuestra comunión con él fuese viva y llena de significado, independientemente de la hora de su retorno.

Cristo vendrá. Esta es una de las más hermosas promesas que encontramos en la Biblia. Las profecías relativas a la proximidad de este acontecimiento están todas cumplidas. La vuelta de Cristo es prácticamente un hecho. Lo queramos o no, lo aceptemos o no, estemos preparados o no, él vendrá; aparecerá en las nubes del cielo y todo ojo lo verá. “Porque igual que el relámpago sale del oriente y se muestra hasta el occidente, así será también la venida del Hijo del hombre” (S. Mateo 24:27).

El versículo de hoy describe la situación de muchas personas cuando Cristo regrese. Será un día inesperado. Como todos los días, las personas saldrán hacia su trabajo; las grandes fábricas continuarán su línea de producción; en los supermercados los hombres comprarán y venderán; los estudiantes en las escuelas abrirán sus cuadernos y libros como todos los días; los centros de recreación estarán llenos como siempre; miles de automóviles irán y vendrán por las grandes carreteras y avenidas de las ciudades. De repente, “como ladrón en medio de la noche”, cuando nadie espera nada extraordinario, aparecerá en medio del cielo una nube blanca como la palma de una mano, que irá creciendo e iluminando al mundo: será Cristo en gloria y majestad, rodeado de millones y millones de ángeles, anunciando con trompetas que el día llegó. “Vendrá el señor de aquel siervo en día que éste no espera, y a la hora que no sabe”, dice el texto de hoy.

Me pregunto: “¿Estoy listo para encontrarme con Jesús? ¿Vivo cada día una vida de permanente comunión con él? ¿0 estoy esperando alguna ‘evidencia’ de que Cristo ya está regresando para comenzar a prepararme?”

¿Cómo te sentirías si salieras de viaje y en tu ausencia tu familia viviera una vida sin principios, sin reglas, sin amor, pisoteando la honra de la familia y el significado de tu nombre, pero que al saber que tomaste el avión de regreso comenzara a prepararse?

Eso no es amor, es apenas el interés egoísta de no sufrir las consecuencias. ¿Podrían personas así vivir eternamente con Jesús?

Pr. Alejandro Bullón

Gender and Discipleship: LESSON 5 *January 26–February 1

SABBATH AFTERNOON

Read for This Week’s Study:
Mark 5:25–34, Luke 1:26–38, 8:1–3, 10:38–42, John 4:4–30.

Memory Text:
“Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word’” (Luke 1:38, NRSV).

Women were, one way or another, intimately involved in Christ’s ministry, even from the start. Mary, His earthly mother, gave birth to the infant Jesus. Of course, only a woman could have done that, but her example of faith and submission remains a powerful one for all who would seek to be a disciple of Jesus. Then, all through the Gospels, we can see the crucial role of women. From Mary the mother of Jesus, from the woman who touched His garment and was healed, to the woman at the well, and others, it is clear that a woman open to the prompting of God’s grace could be a follower and disciple of Christ.

In an attempt to gain more insights into what it means to be a disciple, this week we will take a look at how Jesus interacted with some women.

The Week at a Glance:
What incredible things was Mary, Jesus’ mother, asked to accept on faith? What does the Bible say about the role of women in the ministry of Jesus? What can we learn about discipleship from the story of the woman at the well?

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 2.

SUNDAY January 27: “Be It Unto Me”

Read Luke 1:26–38. Try to place yourself in the position of Mary. What can we learn about her character from these verses? What very difficult things was she told to believe?
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Even in an ancient society, where the concept of the supernatural was much more readily accepted than it is in many of our modernistic, scientific cultures, the angel’s words to Mary must have stretched her faith to the limits. First, she would be pregnant though still a virgin. Had that ever happened before in the history of the world? If that were not hard enough, her child would be the Son of God. Her question, “How shall this be?” was natural and normal enough. But once the angel pointed her to the miracle of her cousin Elisabeth, who conceived in old age (Luke 1:5–25), and then gave her the powerful reassurance, “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (vs. 37), Mary responded with an affirmation of faith and acceptance.

Read prayerfully and carefully her response to the angel: “Be it unto me, according to thy word” (vs. 38). What kind of attitude does this reveal? What kind of model of faith does Mary’s example provide for us?
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After centuries of theological discussion on the question of the Incarnation (the coming of Jesus in humanity), the subject remains an incredible mystery. Imagine how much this young woman did not understand about what was happening to her. And yet, even with all she did not know, she surrendered herself in faith to the Lord and wanted His will to be done.

As with Mary, we are asked to believe in things we do not fully understand. Compare your spirit to the spirit of faith Mary represented here. How open are you to trusting God on the things you just do not understand?

MONDAY January 28: Female Followers of Jesus

Luke 8:1–3 describes Jesus’ second Galilean tour. Besides the Twelve original disciples, who else accompanied Jesus on this tour?
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Luke is very explicit that women accompanied Jesus on His missionary tours. This should not be surprising, because Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the salvation and the release Jesus brought to the outcasts, the women.

“Luke is the only gospel writer to record many of the details of the early life of Jesus, and often does so from the viewpoint of the women most concerned—Mary, Elisabeth, and Anna. . . . It is as if Luke were saying the gospel of the kingdom of heaven was as much for women as for men, and that their part in its proclamation was equally important.”— The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, pp. 769, 770.

Jesus’ act of allowing female disciples was unique. Various religious movements in that time did not include women. Some teachers said that women were emptyheaded, were not to be taught, should not be seen in public with men, and should be confined to the home and domestic arts. Yet, from the earliest pages of the Gospel right up to the end, women, in one way or another, were involved in the life and mission of Jesus.

ReadMatthew 27:55, 56 and Mark 15:40, 41.What more do they add about the role of women in the ministry of Jesus?
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Having been healed of various maladies, some of these women showed their love and devotion by assisting in His work and providing for His sustenance. Some of them might have been widows, since they were part of the missionary tour and had sustenance to provide for the needs of Jesus and His disciples. Whatever the specifics, the Word of God shows that women played an important role in the earliest days of the church.

Read Galatians 3:28. Looking beyond the immediate context, what should these words tell about how contrary to the principles of Christ prejudice is? Examine your own heart. What attitude and prejudices might you be holding that are contrary to God’s Word?

TUESDAY January 29: “If I May Touch His Clothes . . .”

Read Mark 5:25–34, the famous account of the woman healed from a distressing malady. Though the story does not portray the woman as a disciple per se, she displayed the kind of faith so necessary for discipleship.

Notice the interesting contrast between how she approached Jesus and how Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, did (Mark 5:22, 23).

What were the differences between their approaches? At the same time, what was the one thing they apparently had in common?
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As far as we can tell, this woman had not seen Jesus before. According to the text, it was when she had heard of Him that she came. Someone had witnessed to her, telling her of this Man, and she moved ahead in faith, even without seeing anything for herself. This was her first act of faith (see also John 20:29, Heb. 11:1).

No question; according to the texts, the woman was desperate. Levitical law deemed her unclean. People were not to come in physical contact with her. If she had been married, she would not have been allowed intimate relations with her husband; in fact, technically, she would not even have been able to touch her own children. All this for 12 years!

What was the next great act of faith on her part?
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However secretly the woman sought to act, Jesus turned it into a public display. She told Him (and everyone listening) what had happened. By giving her own testimony, she did her first act as a disciple. Now that the whole event was known publicly, how much easier it would be for her to tell others about what Jesus had done for her. She had come to Jesus because she had heard about Him; she now could tell others about Him, as well.

Why must we continue to trust in the Lord even when healing, as or when we want it, does not come? If we stop trusting, what have we left?

WEDNESDAY January 30: Troubled by Many Things

In order to be a disciple, we need to know Jesus personally. We must have a close relationship with Him. This can come only by spending time with Him. In our busy lives, with so many important things vying for our time, how easy it is to get caught up in things, even good and important things, and let our relationship with God slip.

Read Luke 10:38–42. How does this episode reveal how even good things can distract us from what is most important? What message for you can be found in the story of these two female “disciples”?
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Mary heard His word. No one can be a true disciple who does not hear His word. The text said, too, that she sat at His feet. First-century teachers sat on high stools while their students sat at their feet on lower stools or the floor. To sit at one’s feet means to adopt the posture of a disciple or learner. That she sat at Jesus’ feet meant that she was His student (compare Acts 22:3).

In contrast was her sister, Martha. The Greek text says that she was “drawn away” by much serving. In one sense, this could be understandable. After all, the Master had come to their house, so it was their responsibility to tend to their guests’ needs. At the same time, her plea that her sister help also echoed customary conventional values and expectations. Mary’s place was in the kitchen—the part of the household designated for women—not in the dining area with the men.

Yet, Jesus did not rebuke Mary; He chided Martha. He named her twice, perhaps showing concern. Martha’s complaints were justified, but Jesus’ rebuke reminds us there are issues more important than other necessary things. We all need to take heed, for sometimes we allow the urgent to crowd out the important or the good to exclude the vital and necessary.

How can you find the proper balance in your own life between things that must be done and spending time at the feet of Jesus? What adjustments might you need to make? At the same time, can one ever be too much like Mary and not enough like Martha? If so, how?

THURSDAY January 31: The Woman at the Well

ReadJohn 4:4–30. How did Jesus go about winning the confidence of this woman and, essentially, turning her into a disciple?
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The process of winning the woman of Samaria deserves the most careful study on the part of all who set out to win others to Christ. There were four main stages in this process: (1) The awakening of a desire for something better (vss. 7–15); (2) The awakening of a conviction of personal need (vss. 16–20); (3) The call for a decision to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah (vss. 21–26); (4) The stimulus to action appropriate to the decision (vss. 26–30, 39–42).

Imagine what must have gone on in the mind of this woman. First, this stranger, a Jew, shows her unexpected kindness. The next thing she knows, He reveals to her some of her deepest and darkest secrets, something that most likely no one but she knew. Her response, “Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet” (vs. 19), is a confession, not only of her own sins but that Jesus is Someone special. Notice, too, that when the woman sought to change the subject, Jesus did not press her anymore with her sins. Instead, He picked up on her conversation and used it to point to more truth, ultimately leading her back to Himself, this time not as a prophet but as the Messiah. Impressed by Jesus—no doubt mostly by His knowledge of her secrets—the woman believed Him.

Look at how she witnessed to her own people (vss. 29, 39). What so impressed her about Jesus? Might there not have been a bit of a confession in her own witness? How effective was this witness?
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The Lord changed this woman, apparently no bastion of purity and piety, into a powerful witness for Himself. What lessons can you draw from this story about (1) not judging the hearts of others and (2) forgiveness and grace even for the worst of sinners?

FRIDAY February 1

Further Study:
Read The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, pp. 607, 608, 656, 657, 669, 670, 785, 786, 940–942; Ellen G. White, “Lazarus, Come Forth,” pp. 524–536, in The Desire of Ages.

“The ‘one thing’ that Martha needed was a calm, devotional spirit, a deeper anxiety for knowledge concerning the future, immortal life, and the graces necessary for spiritual advancement. She needed less anxiety for the things which pass away, and more for those things which endure forever. Jesus would teach His children to seize every opportunity of gaining that knowledge which will make them wise unto salvation.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 525.

“One of the characteristics of the Gospel of Luke is its frequent references to Christ’s ministry for the womenfolk of Palestine and the ministry of some of them on His behalf. This was something new, for the role of Jewish women in public life had been a relatively minor one, although in isolated instances, prophets like Elisha had ministered to women and been ministered to by them.”—The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 769.

Discussion Questions:
l Go back over the story of Mary being told about becoming Jesus’ mother. Again, think about what amazing things she was told to believe, things she could not possibly understand. Think about many of the things we Christians are told to believe that we cannot possibly understand. And though we do not understand them, we still have faith and even reasons to believe them. Bring your thoughts to class and, as a class, talk about these things and why we can and should believe them, regardless of what we do not understand. How can we help others who are struggling to believe in things that, in the end, have to be taken on faith?

l At a time when, in most countries, the membership of the church seems to be predominantly female, why should the church not discourage female discipleship?

l Jesus was revolutionary, transforming, liberating, innovative, restorative, sensitive, and supportive. No one was ignored, marginalized, or ostracized in His presence. Contemporary disciples should emulate Him and model His example for all classes, cultures, genders, peoples, and nations. How can you help your local church be a place where all are welcomed and can find a role in service?

I N S I D E Story
Chrislam by DANIEL PEREZ

Only a few of the teenagers attend the little mission school on our island in southern Philippines. Most are embarrassed because they can’t read or write and don’t want to be teased by their younger siblings who attend the mission school. So these teenage boys spend their time diving in the coral reefs and catching fish. They keep us supplied with fresh fish every day.

We teachers wanted to reach these young men, but we were not sure how. Finally we decided to try to engage them through sports. We told the boys what we wanted to do, and they helped us clear an area to make a simple basketball court. We found a metal ring to use as the hoop and pooled our money to buy a basketball. Then we taught them to play. They enjoyed the game and soon played quite well. We formed teams to encourage them.

We went swimming with them and invited them to eat at our cottage. Sometimes we worshiped with them in their Mosque. We became friends. During a group massage session we held for the boys, some of them opened their hearts to us. They talked about problems they faced, and we listened. Little by little we realized that they noticed we don’t smoke, don’t drink fermented coconut juice, and don’t eat shellfish. Their religion forbids these things, but they do them anyway.

One day they expressed their questions to us. “Teacher,” one said. “You are different from most Christians we know. You don’t smoke or drink alcohol or eat pork as most Christians do. Our elders tell us that smoking and drinking alcohol is bad because it destroys the Masjid [temple] of Allah.

“We Muslims worship on Friday, and most Christians worship on Sunday.You Adventists are a bridge between Muslims and Christians, and you worship on Saturday. Thus, you live the life of true Islam. That is why we respect you as you live up to what a true child of Allah should be. Thus, we will call you Chrislams, which means Christians who live as Islam.” We were humbled as we realized that our actions had spoken so clearly what our mouths couldn’t say to these sincere and open young sons of Islam. Pray for them as they search for the path to the living God. Pray for the student missionaries who teach these children of Allah to truly live for Him.

Our mission offerings help support Mountain View College, which sends student missionaries throughout southern Philippines.
——————
DANIEL PEREZ is a pseudonym. Because of the sensitive nature of the work in his area, we have chosen to protect his identity.

Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission.
Web site: www.adventistmission.org

Lessons From Would-be Disciples: LESSON 4 *January 19–25

SABBATH AFTERNOON

Read for This Week’s Study:
Matt. 8:19–22, 19:16–26, Mark 10:17–23, Luke 4:16–30, 18:18–30, John 3:1–21.

Memory Text:
“Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God’ ” (Luke 9:61, 62, RSV).

Life comes filled with mysteries at every level. From the workings of subatomic particles, to the very nature of space and time themselves, there is so much we do not even begin to understand.

Probably, though, of all things mysterious and hard to fathom, nothing is more so than the workings of the human heart. People, in an instant, for reasons that seem so unknowable (perhaps even to themselves), make decisions that can impact their lives in a dramatic way, for good or bad, for all eternity. No wonder that Scripture, when talking about the heart, says, “Who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9).

This week we will look at some would-be disciples and the decision of their hearts.

The Week at a Glance:
What do the Gospels say about would-be disciples? What lessons may we learn from their experiences that can inform our discipleship, strengthen our faith, and deepen our commitment?

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 26.

SUNDAY January 20: The Scribe

Read Matthew 8:19, 20 (see also Luke 9:57, 58). What is the point of this story? What message is here for us? What principles can we take from it?
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Here is a case of someone who, not specifically called by Jesus, volunteered instead. Notice, too, just how intense his profession was. He would follow the Lord anywhere. It is easy, even for a true follower of the Lord, to make all sorts of pronouncements about being faithful (Luke 22:33); it is not so easy, however, to follow up on them (vss. 55–61).

When was the last time you made some bold promise of faithfulness to God that you later broke? What lesson did you learn from that experience?
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What also is interesting about this encounter is that the person who came to Jesus with that profession was a scribe, one of the educated elite in Israel. They were men of “culture, education, and station in life.”—The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 365. Few scribes identified with Jesus; they were too upstanding. They followed Him, not to be influenced by His teaching but to entrap Him. Yet, here was a scribe who was touched by Jesus’ teaching to the extent that he volunteered to become a disciple.

Yet, Jesus knew the heart, and His response shows that, perhaps, this scribe’s motives were not pure. He may have wanted to join himself to Jesus in hopes of gaining worldly advantage. Christ’s response, however, quickly should have disabused him of any such notions. In the end, the text does not tell us what the ultimate choice of this scribe was. From what Jesus said, it is not hard to imagine the scribe turning away.

How do we understand what was happening with this scribe and with, for instance, Christ’s words in Mark 10:30? Are we not promised some immediate advantages in following Jesus now? If so, why is it not wrong to want those advantages? Or is it?

MONDAY January 21: An Unnamed Disciple

Read Matthew 8:21, 22. How do you understand what is going on here? Why would Jesus say something like this to a person who first wanted to bury his own father?
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Yesterday we viewed a scribe who sought discipleship. Today we encounter another volunteer, but one who is neither named as an individual or identified with a specific group. Examining the narrative, one wonders if Jesus was not unreasonable in His expectations. The man asked to bury his father, and in the Jewish faith it was a sacred duty to ensure a decent burial for a parent. What is going on?

Contrary to popular belief, the young man’s father was neither dead nor even at the point of death. It was even possible that he was at the time “enjoying good health, and the time of his death was indefinitely in the future.”—The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 366. If this is so, why did the man answer the way he did? Was it an excuse, one that Jesus saw through? Because the dead were usually buried the same day, had his father actually died, there would not have been a problem, because he could have attended to matters and then returned to discipleship.

This man’s response revealed his character. In contrast to the scribe’s hastiness and impulsiveness, he was slow, lethargic, lacking in zeal for the work, indecisive, and prone to procrastination. He was in fact delaying his discipleship to the indefinite future because he did not want to make an immediate commitment. If he did not commit right then, he would perhaps never commit. The man was, apparently, saying that he could begin discipleship only when the time was convenient for him. Furthermore, Jesus wanted it known that because of the limited time He had for ministry and training disciples, discipleship required undivided attention and full commitment.

Is the Lord calling you to do something (End a relationship? Give up a habit? Be faithful in tithe? Witness to someone?) that you intend to do, but not now? What are the dangers of delaying?

TUESDAY January 22: The Rich Young Ruler

Read Mark 10:17–23 (see also Matt. 19:16–26, Luke 18:18–30). What lessons can we pull from the story of this would-be disciple?
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Today’s lesson covers a colorful character. He did not come either timidly or under cover. He made a grand entrance. Mark says he ran to Jesus and fell on his knees before Him. While Mark and Matthew do not name the man, Luke says he was a ruler and thus perhaps a member of the honored council of the Jews. Matthew says that he was young. The name, the “rich young ruler,” is a composite description derived from all three accounts.

In Jesus’ presence, he immediately began a discussion, seeking, it seems, to flatter Jesus, who did not fall for the flattery. Instead, Jesus went right to the heart of his question, pointing the man to the law of God.

Why would Jesus, who knew that salvation could not be attained by works of the law (Rom. 3:28, Gal. 2:16), point him toward the law?
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In a certain sense, the answer to that question is found in the response of the young man. Though he kept the law, he sensed that it was not enough. Something was missing, which is why he asked, “What lack I yet?” (Matt. 19:20). In other words, though he outwardly, in his actions, seemed a faithful follower of the Lord, something more was needed. Jesus’words, and the man’s response to those words, showed that his heart was not truly converted. By pointing him to the commandments, Jesus showed him that true salvation is manifested in an obedience to the law that involves death to self. The man’s wealth had become an idol to him, and Jesus showed him that, despite his outward propriety, his treasure was on earth, not in heaven, and he needed a radical change of heart.

You might be keeping the commandments, at least outwardly, but where is your treasure? What reasons do you have for justifying your answer?

WEDNESDAY January 23: Nicodemus

One of the most famous accounts in the New Testament is that of Nicodemus, who came to Jesus by night and asked the question, “How can these things be?” (John 3:9).

Read John 3:1–21. What “things” was Nicodemus asking about?
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How interesting that Jesus would be talking to Nicodemus about the workings of the Holy Spirit when, in fact, it was obvious from Nicodemus’s words and actions that he himself was being convicted by the Holy Spirit. For him to come to Jesus, not to try to trap him (as so many of his contemporaries did) but to learn, shows the sincerity of his heart.

What can we learn from Christ’s words about discipleship from what He said to Nicodemus?
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Jesus’ response to Nicodemus not only was tailored to his needs but, in John’s Gospel, serves to identify suitable and unsuitable characteristics for discipleship. It says that physical birth and descent from the Jewish nation are insufficient for authentic discipleship. Discipleship presupposes a rebirth that unites one with the heavenly realm and opens one up to the constant working of the Holy Spirit. That Nicodemus misunderstood all this even further revealed the inadequacy of merely being born a Jew or being born into the right family; it also provided an opportunity for further instruction on the nature of discipleship. Although Nicodemus did not make an immediate and open response to discipleship, he at times acted as a secret disciple. At least initially, he was a would-be disciple, because he did not commit then. As we know, that later changed (John 19:39).

You might be of right descent; that is, you might be in the right church, with the right doctrines and teaching. Why, though, is that not enough? How can we avoid the danger of thinking that membership in the right church, or even knowledge of true doctrines, is all that we need?

THURSDAY January 24: Herd Mentality

Salvation, we know, is personal. We are not saved in bunches; we are not corporately brought into the kingdom of heaven (see Ezek. 14:20). In the end, we each will have to answer for our own deeds, not for the deeds of others (Rom. 14:12).

Nevertheless, most of us do not live in isolation. We are in contact with other people, and we influence others, just as we are influenced by them. It is just part of human nature, even unfallen human nature (see Gen. 3:6), that we influence one another, either for good or for evil. How unfortunate that, unless we are careful, the influences can be negative.

Read Luke 4:16–30. What happened here? Why did the people, as a group, act as they did? What led to the downfall of these would-be disciples?
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Though at first they all marveled at His words, once those words became cutting, they turned, en masse, against Him. Imagine if some would-be disciple there, instead of succumbing to anger, submitted to the rebuke humbly. Who knows what his or her influence might have been on the others? Instead, it says that they all in the synagogue became angry, so angry that they tried to kill Him. No doubt each one’s anger influenced another, and then another, until the whole synagogue, who had come there to worship the Lord, in a spasm of anger sought to kill Him instead. Had any one of these people encountered Jesus’ rebuke on a one-to-one basis, they might have been angry, but most likely they would have walked away. Now, though, feeling the strength of a mob, they acted in a horrible way.

How easily influenced are you by the crowd, by the prejudices and teachings of your own society and culture? What practical steps could you take that could help protect you from the dangers of this herd mentality?

FRIDAY January 25

Further Study: Read The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, pp. 365, 366, 456–460, 602–605, 926–934; Ellen G. White, “Nicodemus,” pp. 167–177; “Peace Be Still,” pp. 333–341; “One Thing Thou Lackest,” pp. 518–523, in The Desire of Ages.

“In this age of diseased piety and perverted principle, those who are converted in life and practice will reveal a healthy and influential spirituality. Those who have a knowledge of the truth as it is revealed in God’s word must now come to the front. My brethren, God requires this of you. Every jot of your influence is now to be used on the right side. All are now to learn how to stand in defense of truth that is worthy of acceptance.”—Ellen G. White, Medical Ministry, p. 22.

“But while Nicodemus had not publicly acknowledged Christ, he had in the Sanhedrin council repeatedly thwarted the schemes of the priests to destroy Him. When at last Christ had been lifted up on the cross, Nicodemus remembered the words that He had spoken to him in the night interview on the Mount of Olives, ‘As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up’ (John 3:14); and he saw in Jesus the world’s Redeemer.”—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 104.

Discussion Questions:
l Has there ever been a time when you got caught up in a herd mentality, when you went along with the crowd, perhaps in a fit of emotion, and did something you later regretted? If so, what have you learned from that experience that could help protect you from doing the same thing again?

l Think more about the point addressed earlier this week regarding the idea that being part of the true church is not enough. What message is there for us as Seventh-day Adventists? How are we in danger of falling into that same trap, that idea that because we believe that we have truth, that is all we need? In class, talk about how we can protect ourselves from that delusion.

l Review the reason that these would-be disciples used to not make a commitment (with, we know for sure, the exception of Nicodemus). What other excuses do people use? How can we as a church help those who are struggling with this momentous decision?

l What’s the difference between being a “believer” and being a disciple?

I N S I D E Story: Crash Course in Faith
by JOHN MAKEUSA

I was a new believer. I boarded a small passenger plane in the Congo to fly to another city. Halfway to our destination in torrential rain, the navigation system developed a problem. Then one engine stopped. The pilot descended to look for a place to land.

I prayed as the pilot struggled to bring the plane down safely. Then the other engine stopped working. Without power we had no control over the plane. I prayed earnestly, “Lord, if You have work for me to do, please save us.”

We crashed onto the savannah and flipped over, tumbling to a stop. My seatbelt broke, and I was knocked unconscious. I awoke lying outside the plane. I had neck and leg injuries and couldn’t walk. We saw no one around and had no idea where to go for help, so we slept fitfully by the plane that night.

The next morning we saw two men paddling a canoe down a nearby river and shouted at them. Because it was a time of war, the men thought we were military and took us to the guerilla army headquarters nearby. These soldiers could have killed us, for we were from “enemy” territory. But God protected us, and the soldiers fed us and bandaged our wounds.

A week later when we were able to walk, soldiers marched us to their commander, 130 miles (200 kilometers) away. When we arrived four days later, the commander questioned us. I told him I was an Adventist Christian, not a soldier. He held us for a month. During this time I shared my faith, and one soldier asked how to become a Christian. I told him all that I knew and prayed with him as he accepted Jesus as his Lord. When we were set free, we walked toward the Tanzanian border to find help.

Soldiers at the border arrested us, thinking we were soldiers. They held us for more than two months. Throughout our ordeal I shared my faith with the pilot and other passengers as well as with our captors. We prayed together, and the other men asked me to pray for them, as well.

When finally we were freed to return home, we had been gone four months. Everyone thought we were dead. What gladness when we arrived! What rejoicing when I testified how God had saved us, not once but four times, and helped me share my faith with strangers. The experience helped me know I can trust God in everything. Evangelism takes many forms, and your mission offerings make evangelism possible.

——–

JOHN MAKEUSA is a mechanic living in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission.
Web site: www.adventistmission.org

Discipleship Then and Now: LESSON 2 January 5–11

SABBATH AFTERNOON

Read for This Week’s Study:
Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20; Mark 16:20; John 3:21–30; Acts 5:34–39.

Memory Text:
“Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it” (Mark 16:20, NIV).

Discipleship goes back to even before the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Several centuries before His coming into this world in human flesh, there were disciple-gathering teachers who influenced the lives of others with their instructions. This was true with the Greeks, the Jews, the Chinese, and other ancient cultures. Several of these teachers refused to accept the use of the term teacher in reference to themselves or that of disciple in reference to their pupils, so close was the bond between them.

This week’s lesson explores discipleship in other settings, compares it with Jesus’ discipleship, and examines the implications for the disciples of Jesus who live in the twenty-first century.

The Week at a Glance:
What was discipleship like among the Greeks and the Jews? How was discipleship different with John the Baptist and with Jesus of Nazareth? What applications for the contemporary task of discipleship can we gain from discipleship in the time of Jesus?

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 12.

SUNDAY January 6: Discipleship Among the Greeks

“Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus’ ”(John 12:20, 21, NRSV).

The fact that these Greeks went to worship at the festival should tell us something about them already. Also, the verses beforehand reveal that so much was happening that the attitude of the Greeks should not be surprising.

Readthe following texts. What insight could they shed upon what was happening here? Jer. 29:13; John 1:9; 6:44; Acts 10:34, 35.
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Last week we saw that Jesus always chose His own disciples. The above texts might, at first glance, indicate something different. Yet, that is not the case. Even here the Spirit was wooing these Greeks.

In Greek culture, discipleship took many different forms. Though some Greek teachers would initiate the call to discipleship, the tradition was for the students to choose the teacher. The students, not the teacher, initiated the relationship. Also, it was common for the teachers to charge a fee for the students who studied with them.

In this case, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, these Greeks were seeking Jesus, to learn from Him. Given that God uses what we know to teach us what we need to know, this is a viable notion. Indeed, Ellen G. White notes that “the Greeks longed to know the truth in regard to His mission.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 622. She also said that Jesus granted their request.

If someone were to come up to you, as these Greeks did to Philip, and say,“We wish to see Jesus,” what would you answer? How would you introduce them to Him?

MONDAY January 7: Discipleship Among the Jews

Pupil-teacher relations are mentioned in the writings of Jewish scholars such as Philo and Josephus. There were also two famed rabbis, Hillel and Shammai, who had rival schools in Jerusalem and who attracted followers. We also are told in Acts that Saul of Tarsus was the pupil of Rabbi Gamaliel, another famed first-century Jewish teacher (Acts 5:34–39, 22:3).

Read the above texts. What can we learn about Gamaliel from them?
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These teachers were reputed throughout the first century among the Jews. They attracted pupils from the whole world to Jerusalem, the center of theological and juridical knowledge of Judaism, to sit at the feet of these masters. A young Jew who desired to become a rabbi began his education as a pupil at a very early age, perhaps as early as fourteen. He was in personal contact with his teacher, listening to his instructions, imitating his gestures, and learning from him in the classroom and in daily life. In the classroom, he assumed the posture of a learner, sitting at his master’s feet. When he mastered the traditional material, he was designated a nonordained scholar. Ordination came later at a prefixed age. At that time, the title rabbi was bestowed upon him, as well as the power to bind or loose for all time the Jews of the entire world.

What we have seen in the preceding paragraphs is consistent with the glimpses of Jewish teacher-pupil relations we get from the New Testament. What light do they shed on the understanding of the following passages? Matt. 16:19, 18:18.
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Have you known a teacher you have admired, who made a great impact on your life for good? What were the aspects of that teacher that so impressed you? In what ways can you emulate those traits in your own life?

TUESDAY January 8: Discipleship With John the Baptist

Read John 3:21–30. Explain what this passage says about John the Baptist in relationship to discipleship. Was he also a disciplegathering teacher? Because he did not have rabbinical education, what does the title rabbi say about the regard his pupils had for him?
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It is apparent that some Jews wondered whether John the Baptist was the Messiah. This is implied by the questions of the messengers whom the priests and Levites from Jerusalem sent to John the Baptist (John 1:19–28). Their questions are significant, especially when one considers that a two-messiah concept had developed among the Jews during this period between the Old and NewTestaments. It anticipated a priestly messiah from the tribe of Levi and a kingly messiah from the tribe of Judah. The fact that priests and Levites were sent is therefore notable since they belonged to the tribe of Levi.

It is possible that the disciples of John saw him as a priestly messiah; after all, he was from the tribe of Levi. This belief could also have motivated the Jerusalem visitors, who inquired of John regarding his mission. Some scholars believe that this was the reason the author of the fourth Gospel recorded so much of what the Baptist said about Jesus. He wanted it to be absolutely clear that John the Baptist saw Jesus, not himself, as the Messiah. Perhaps it is against this background that we must understand John 3:25, 26.

What was the issue that caused some distress among John’s disciples? See John 3:21–30. What does their attitude say about them? In contrast, what does John’s response tell us about his character? What principle can we learn from John’s response that we could apply to our own lives?
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WEDNESDAY January 9: Discipleship With Jesus

From the very outset of His public ministry, Jesus had disciples. He appeared on the first-century Jewish scene as a disciple-gathering teacher in the tradition of both Greek and Jewish teachers. There were also points of contact with John the Baptist since John baptized Him in preparation for His mission.

As in both Jewish and Greek traditions, Jesus had disciples who followed Him everywhere, who listened to His teaching, and who imitated Him (Matt. 5:1, 2; John 1:35–40; 2:1, 2).

Carefully read Matthew 4:18–20; then (going back over Sunday’s and Monday’s lessons) compare the ways in which one came to be a disciple of Jesus, of the Greek teachers, and of the established rabbis. What things did they have in common? What things were different?
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“Until this time none of the disciples had fully united as colaborers with Jesus. They had witnessed many of His miracles, and had listened to His teaching; but they had not entirely forsaken their former employment. The imprisonment of John the Baptist had been to them all a bitter disappointment. If such were to be the outcome of John’s mission, they could have little hope for their Master, with all the religious leaders combined against Him. Under the circumstances it was a relief to them to return for a short time to their fishing. But now Jesus called them to forsake their former life, and unite their interests with His. Peter had accepted the call. Upon reaching the shore, Jesus bade the three other disciples, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left all, and followed Him [Matt. 4:19, 20].”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 246–249.

What has Jesus called you to give up in order to follow Him? What has your response to that call been? Might you still be holding on to something that is standing in the way of a full commitment to the Lord?

THURSDAY January 10: Contemporary Discipleship

“Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it” (Mark 16:20, NIV).

According to the above verse, what was one major characteristic seen in the disciples of Christ? What message is there for us, as well? See also Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20; Rev. 14:6–12.
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Beside the fact that the disciples were preaching everywhere, Mark said that the Lord worked with the early disciples after His departure and confirmed His word among them by the signs that accompanied it. Are contemporary disciples seeing God’s confirmation of His word among them through signs and miracles? What are some of the signs and miracles we see? How do we define signs and miracles? Should we expect the same kind of signs and miracles in every culture, time, and society?

Are there other ways, besides signs and miracles, for God to confirm His word among us? If so, how?
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Jesus has no less expectation of His disciples today than He had for the early ones. He requires the same commitment to the task from us. However, He says, “ ‘According to your faith be it unto you’ ” (Matt. 9:29). Moreover, He says, “ ‘And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it’ ” (John 14:13, 14, NIV).

How involved are you in the work of spreading the gospel? What are your own spiritual gifts, and how can they be used in this work? When was the last time you did anything at all in terms of helping others know the wonderful truths that you have been entrusted with? What does your answer tell you about yourself?

FRIDAY January 11

Further Study:
Read The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, pp. 432, 433, 582–585, 932, 1022, 1023; Ellen G. White, “Who Is the Greatest?” p. 432, in The Desire of Ages.

“For a time the Baptist’s influence over the nation had been greater than that of its rulers, priests, or princes. If he had announced himself as the Messiah, and raised a revolt against Rome, priests and people would have flocked to his standard. Every consideration that appeals to the ambition of the world’s conquerors Satan had stood ready to urge upon John the Baptist. But with the evidence before him of his power, he had steadfastly refused the splendid bribe. The attention which was fixed upon him he had directed to Another. Now he saw the tide of popularity turning away from himself to the Saviour. Day by day the crowds about him lessened. . . . But the disciples of John looked with jealousy upon the growing popularity of Jesus.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 178.

Discussion Questions:
1 What is involved in leaving everything behind in order to follow Jesus? What are the different ways such a commitment is made manifest in our lives? In class on Sabbath, be prepared to talk about your own understanding of what this means.

2 What roles should our educational institutions have in helping make disciples? How can our churches and our schools better work together in this important challenge?

3 Even in the time of Jesus there was a rivalry among disciples. Why is something like this so common, even among a work that is, ideally, so exalted, a work that should by its very nature keep us all humble and eager for the success of others? What practical things can we do to keep ourselves from falling into this trap?

4 What about this whole question of signs and wonders and miracles? Do we believe in this? If so, what do we believe about it? What do signs and wonders prove? What do they not prove? Why should we always approach these things with caution, humility, and firm reliance on the Word of God?

I N S I D E Story: Religion Class Discovery
by THOMAS WALTER

Herr Singer teaches religion to fifth- and sixth-grade children in a public school in Germany. One day he saw an ad for the Voice of Hope Bible correspondence course and signed up to take the basic course. Then he asked whether the Bible school offered lessons for children.

The Voice of Hope sent him their children’s lessons, and Herr Singer asked permission to use them in his religion class. The Voice of Hope sent lessons for each student, and Herr Singer assigned the lessons to his students, who began completing them. Several students sent questions they had along with their lessons. From the first the teacher, his students, and their parents knew that the materials they studied were sponsored by Seventh-day Adventists.

Herr Singer taught another religion teacher’s class when she was ill. When she returned to school her students wanted to continue taking the Bible course and asked Herr Singer to offer a second hour of Bible class so they could continue taking the Bible course. These public school children were willing to stay after school to study the Bible. So, once a week the students met in Herr Singer’s class to complete their Bible course.

The other religion teachers at the school learned about Herr Singer’s Bible class discovery and asked to use the material in their own religion classes. Herr Singer created a curriculum plan in which he explained how to use the Bible correspondence course to teach religion to children. He sent a copy to the Voice of Hope so that other religion teachers in Germany can use the material if they wish.

When the children completed the basic Bible course, some asked for more Bible material. Herr Singer directed them to the Voice of Hope, where they could study on their own. Six children enrolled in the basic adult course. They completed this course without their teacher’s assistance. The course is not easy, and the children began asking their parents for help. When their parents couldn’t answer their children’s questions, some of them enrolled in the Bible study course in order to help answer their children’s questions.

So, one teacher’s quest for religious materials has sown seeds of faith in the minds of children and their families in Germany.

Your mission offerings support the Voice of Hope in Germany and around the world.
—————-
THOMAS WALTER is a pastor and teacher for the Voice of Hope Bible Correspondence School.

Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission.
Web site: www.adventistmission.org

An Overview of Discipleship: LESSON 1 December 29–January 4

SABBATH AFTERNOON

Read for This Week’s Study:
Matt. 4:18–22; 10:24, 25; Mark 3:13, 14; 8:34, 35; Luke 14:25, 26.

Memory Text:
“As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people’ ” (Matthew 4:18, 19, NRSV).

Dwight E. Stevenson tells a story from the days of the conquistadors that illustrates an important aspect of discipleship. “When Cortez disembarked his five hundred conquistadors upon the eastern coast of Mexico, he set fire to the ships.”—Charles L. Wallis, ed., Speaker’s Illustrations for Special Days (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1975), p. 25. As his warriors watched their means of retreat go up in flames, they knew that they were committing their lives to the conquest of the New World for Spain. They had to be totally dedicated to the mission.

In the same way, those who accept Christ and commit to the task of discipleship are called to burn their ships in the harbor. There is no room for retreat. There is no turning back. The motto of this complete surrender to Christ should be “forward ever, backward never.”

The Week at a Glance:
What is discipleship? Who is a disciple? Can one volunteer to be a disciple? What are the requirements of discipleship? What is the essence of discipleship?

SUNDAY December 30: Discipleship—Historical and Personal

In Scripture, the concept of discipleship appears in two ways, historical and personal.

In the historical Christian context it refers to the interaction between Christ, the Master Teacher, and His first followers, known as the disciples. At the core, it referred to those who had a close and special affiliation with the Rabbi from Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

On the personal level, discipleship refers to the encounter that occurs between Christ, the transformed individual, and the world. It refers also to the challenges that Christian commitment brings and to the resultant life of faith. Thus, discipleship involves not only what a Christian does on behalf of Christ but how Christ is represented in the world.

It is here that the two aspects of discipleship, historical and personal, can intersect. Modern discipleship can benefit from the insights offered by the experience of the historical disciples and the Master.

Outline the concepts of discipleship found in Matthew 4:18–22. What did Jesus ask Peter and Andrew to do? Compare the call extended to James and John with that given to Peter and Andrew. What light does the response of these four disciples shed on our understanding of discipleship? See also John 1:40–42. What do these passages teach us, as well?
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Read Acts 11:26. What insights does this give to us about the meaning of discipleship?
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From what you have seen so far, what is your understanding of discipleship? What personal lessons can you take away from the few texts looked at today?

MONDAY December 31: Who Is a Disciple?

The word disciple comes from the Greek word mathetes, meaning “learner,” “apprentice,” or “adherent.” It depicts a person whose mind is set on a purpose. In the New Testament, it is used mostly of Jesus’ disciples, especially in the Gospels. It refers to “an apprentice or pupil attached to a teacher or movement; one whose allegiance is to the instruction and commitments of the teacher or movement.”—Paul J. Achtemeier, ed., Harper’s Bible Dictionary (New York: Harper San Francisco, 1985), p. 222. A disciple, then, is a pupil or learner who is apprenticed to a master or teacher for the purpose of receiving instruction. There can be no disciple without a teacher. The New Testament term disciple is used primarily of Jesus’ disciples.

Discipleship involves willingness to follow commands and to make commitments. What does Jesus mean, and what is He calling for, in His statement to the crowds, “ ‘If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple’ ” (Luke 14:25, 26, NASB)? How are these words applied to us in our daily life?
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If Christians are disciples, to whom are modern Christians apprenticed? Who should have the allegiance and commitment of Christians? The church? The doctrines? A charismatic preacher who does a good job of teaching and instructing? Or Jesus? What light does 1 Corinthians 1:10–17, especially verse 12, shed on this matter?

In the New Testament, a disciple was one whom Jesus taught and who was committed to following Him. Is it any different today? Read again Jesus’ words in Luke, as quoted above. How well does that picture fit you? Are you truly a disciple of Christ? What does your answer tell you about yourself and your commitment to the Lord?

TUESDAY January 1: How Does One Become a Disciple?

Read Mark 1:19, 20 (see also Matt. 4:18, 19). What do these texts tell us about how people became followers of Jesus?
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In most instances in the New Testament, disciples were chosen; that is, they were called by the Lord, and they responded to the call. In other words, one doesn’t make oneself a disciple. Instead, one becomes a disciple by responding to a call.

What do the following texts say about this topic?
Mark 2:13, 14
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Mark 3:13, 14
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Luke 5: 8–11
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John 1:43
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Acts 9:4–6
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These texts show that the initiative for discipleship in the historical situation did not rest with an individual. It resided with the Master. Each disciple responded to a call the Lord extended.

Even the response to the call Jesus extended did not wholly reside with the called. This, too, involved a divine initiative. “ ‘No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him’ ” (John 6:44, NIV). Discipleship indeed is a work of grace. God provided the means of salvation. He extends the call for us, and He woos us to accept. Can anyone doubt that salvation is all of grace?

The fact that you are even reading these words indicates the work of God in your life. How have you responded to the call of the Master? How do your works reveal the answer?

WEDNESDAY January 2: Requirements of Discipleship

From our study thus far, we can discern a few conditions for discipleship.

First, discipleship in the New Testament began with Jesus’ call to people to follow Him. A response from those called was essential. Thus, willingness to follow must have been a requirement of discipleship.

Second, willingness had to be based on something concrete, on something the disciple saw as valuable. Did those called discern something in Jesus they had not previously seen in anyone else? If so, they exercised faith in Him to follow willingly.

The third requirement of discipleship is a natural outgrowth of the first two. Willingness to follow and faith to believe must have led to a positive response to His call to discipleship. Without a positive response there could be no discipleship.

A positive response and willingness to follow are ineffective unless put into active reality through obedience. Jesus invited each person initially called to follow Him, and they did so immediately. This means that they were obedient and that obedience was a requirement for discipleship. No willfully disobedient person can be a successful follower of the Master.

Also, in the case of the disciples, their response to the call implied a total break with the past. They left their jobs, their families, and their possessions to follow Jesus, and they heeded the call to love these things less than they loved the Master. Being a disciple doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to do all those things, only that we be willing to, if needed.

What other requirements of discipleship can you find in the following texts? Matt. 16:24, 25; Mark 8:34, 35; Luke 9:23. What is the basic message that Jesus is giving to us here? How can you apply this principle in your own life?
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THURSDAY January 3: The Essence of Discipleship

Implicit in the reality of following the Master was a call to a life of community and fellowship. Jesus and the disciples must have had a close companionship. That such a relationship is at the core of discipleship can be seen from His words in John 15:5, “ ‘I am the vine; you are the branches’ ” (NIV). The intimate attachment between a vine and a branch that inspired Jesus’ illustration is noteworthy.

In John 15:9 Jesus compares their relationship with that between Him and His Father. He calls on His disciples to abide in His love, further strengthening this idea of our need to be closely attached to Him.

From each of the texts below, what else can we learn about discipleship?
Matt. 10:32, 33
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Matt. 22:37–40
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John 14:15
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What is your understanding of Matthew 10:24, 25 and Luke 6:40? What do they illustrate about discipleship?
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If discipleship, as previously seen, involves a clean break with the past, then out of necessity it must inspire a vision of the future. The disciple envisions being with the Master, learning from Him, and becoming like Him. Mark 3:14 says that disciples were called “to be with Him” (NKJV). There is no way that a disciple can be with Jesus and not learn from Him and not be inspired to be like Him. Moreover, they would also catch the vision of His kingdom and would desire to be part of it.

Do you sometimes feel discouraged in your walk with the Lord? Go back over the week’s lesson and see what you can find from the texts that can help you draw some encouragement and hope.

FRIDAY January 4

Further Study:
Read The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, pp. 319, 322, 323, 374, 484, 582, 584, 585, 592–594, 738, 749, 750, 910, 1036, 1037, 1083, 1084; Ellen G. White, “We Have Found the Messias,” pp. 139–143; “The Call by the Sea,” pp. 244–251; “He Ordained Twelve,” p. 292, in The Desire of Ages.

“No mere theory of truth or profession of discipleship will save any soul. We do not belong to Christ unless we are His wholly. It is by halfheartedness in the Christian life that men become feeble in purpose and changeable in desire.”—Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 50.

“Matthew ‘left all, rose up, and followed Him.’ There was no hesitation, no questioning, no thought of the lucrative business to be exchanged for poverty and hardship. . . . So it was with the disciples previously called.

“When Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow Him, immediately they left their boats and nets. Some of these disciples had friends dependent on them for support; but when they received the Saviour’s invitation, they did not hesitate, and inquire, How shall I live, and sustain my family? They were obedient to the call.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 273.

Discussion Questions:
1 What is the difference between discipleship and church membership? Why is it important for us to know the difference? In what ways can a person be a church member and not be a disciple?

2 Read the second Ellen G. White reference above. At one level, the meaning is clear: We must be wholly devoted to Jesus, no matter the personal cost. At the same time, how is this principle open to abuse? In what ways could this idea be used by someone to evade what are, really, God-given responsibilities? How can we know the difference between being committed and using commitment as an excuse for some other agenda?

3 What does it mean to be committed wholly to the Lord? What are the practical and positive ways commitment and discipleship can be manifested? Also, ask yourself this question: How are the lives of those around me improved and helped by my faithfulness to the Lord?

4 What does it mean to deny self and take up your cross? Though we always tend to think of this command on an individual basis, would this also be words to your local church, as a whole? If so, how so?

I N S I DSE Story: Fishing for Souls
by GABRIEL ZANCHIOR

A friend stopped by the bar and dance hall that I operated in Benin, a country in western Africa, and invited me to his home for dinner. After eating I fell asleep and thought I was dreaming when I heard someone speaking beautifully. I opened my eyes and saw my friend and another man praying. The prayer was so beautiful that I knelt beside them.

When the man finished praying, he apologized for waking me. I asked him to teach me to pray as he prayed, and he said, “When you know God personally, praying is easy.” He was a pastor and offered to teach me about God.

As I studied the Bible with the pastor, I realized how little I knew about the Bible. I told my friend, “You have known this, and you didn’t tell me?”

Surprised, he responded, “But you own a bar. How could I know that you would listen to these things?”

As I studied the Bible, I realized that to follow Jesus I would have to give up my bar and dance hall. But these truths were so beautiful, how could I not follow them? I walked away from everything I had invested in the bar and turned my life over to Christ. My wife and I were baptized.

I found work as a fisherman, but fishing was poor in Benin, so I went to neighboring Ghana to work. While there I found the Adventist church and realized that this church was worldwide.

When I returned to Benin, I looked at our little chapel and our handful of members. I realized that the challenge was huge. Voodoo worship and witchcraft permeate life in Benin. People prefer to join a church that allows them to mix their voodoo practices with Christianity rather than stand up for the truth and become a Seventh-day Adventist.

I started evangelizing my town, calling people to Jesus. Ten people joined the Adventist church. But when trouble comes, staying in the church becomes difficult. In our culture funerals include drinking and offering gifts to the gods to assure that the dead person does not haunt family members. But when we Adventists don’t take part in these ceremonies, our families make it very difficult.

I now know that God’s church is a worldwide family. I pray, and I ask you to pray, that God will work powerfully in Benin to convince people of His love and power.

I continue casting God’s net in the devil’s sea, seeking to be a fisher of souls for Christ. Your mission offerings will help the work in my country grow stronger each day.
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GABRIEL ZANCHIOR is a lay evangelist in Benin, West Africa.

Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission.
Web site: www.adventistmission.org

4. CANDIDATS DISCIPLES: LEÇONS

Étude de la semaine:
Mt 8.19-22; 19.16-26; Mc 10.17-23; Lc 4.16-30; 18.18-30; Jn 3.1-21.

Versets à mémoriser:
«Un autre dit : Je te suivrai, Seigneur, mais permets-moi d’aller d’abord prendre congé de ceux de ma maison. Jésus lui dit : Quiconque met la main à la charrue et regarde en arrière n’est pas bon pour le royaume de Dieu.» (Lc 9.61,62)

Questions clefs:
Que disent les évangiles sur les candidats disciples? Quelles leçons nous renseignant sur notre rôle de disciple, fortifiant notre foi et approfondissant notre engagement tirons-nous de leur expérience?

La vie est chargée de mystère à tous les niveaux. Du déplacement des particules subatomiques à la nature même de l’espace et du temps, il y a tant de choses que nous commençons à peine à comprendre!

Et pourtant, rien n’est plus mystérieux et insondable que les mouvements du coeur humain. Il arrive à l’être humain de prendre en un instant, et pour des raisons qui semblent difficiles à saisir (même pour lui-même), des décisions qui vont influencer sa vie de façon radicale, en bien ou en mal, pour l’éternité. Il n’est pas surprenant que l’Écriture déclare en parlant du coeur humain: «Qui peut le connaître?»

Cette semaine, nous examinerons le cas des candidats disciples, ainsi que les motivations de leur coeur.

Dimanche: LE SCRIBE

Lisez Mt 8.19,20; (voir aussi Lc 9.57,58). Quel est le but de cette histoire? Quel en est le message pour nous? Quels principes en retirons-nous?
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Quand avez-vous, pour la dernière fois, fait à Dieu une audacieuse promesse de fidélité et l’avez-vous ensuite brisée? Quelle leçon cette expérience vous a-t-elle enseignée?
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Comment comprendre ce qui s’est passé avec ce scribe en relation, par exemple, avec les paroles de Jésus dans Mc 10.30? Des bienfaits immédiats ne nous sont-ils pas promis si nous suivons Jésus dès à présent? Les rechercher est-il bon ou mauvais?
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C’est le cas d’une personne qui, n’ayant pas été spécifiquement appelée par Jésus, s’est portée volontaire pour le suivre. Remarquez l’intensité de sa profession de foi. Il suivrait le Seigneur partout. Il est facile, même pour le vrai disciple du Seigneur, d’affirmer sa fidélité de plusieurs façons (Lc 22.33), mais beaucoup moins facile de s’y tenir (Lc 22.55-61).

Il est intéressant de noter, au sujet de cette rencontre, que la personne venue à Jésus avec une telle profession de foi était un scribe et faisait partie de l’élite cultivée d’Israël. Les scribes étaient des hommes « cultivés, possédant éducation et statut». — Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 365. Peu de scribes s’identifiaient à Jésus; leur statut était trop élevé pour cela. Ils le suivaient, non pour se laisser influencer par ses enseignements, mais pour le piéger. Pourtant, ce scribe avait été touché par les enseignements de Jésus, au point de vouloir devenir son disciple.

Mais Jésus connaissait le coeur humain, et sa réponse suggère que les motivations du scribe n’étaient pas pures. Peut-être voulait-il se joindre à Jésus dans l’espoir d’obtenir des bienfaits mondains. La réponse du Christ, cependant, l’a sans doute découragé à cet égard. Le texte ne nous dit pas quel a été le choix du scribe, en fin de compte. Les paroles de Jésus nous font supposer qu’il s’en est allé.

Lundi: UN DISCIPLE ANOMYME

Lisez Mt 8.21,22. Comment comprenez-vous ce qui se passe ici? Pourquoi Jésus fait-il cette réponse à quelqu’un désireux d’enterrer d’abord son père?
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Le Seigneur vous appellet-il à mettre fin à une relation? Abandonner une mauvaise habitude? Donner fidèlement votre dîme? Témoigner auprès de quelqu’un? Vous souhaitez le faire, mais pas maintenant. Que risquezvous à reporter ainsi?
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Hier, nous avons examiné le cas d’un scribe qui voulait devenir disciple. Aujourd’hui, nous rencontrons un autre candidat, dont nous ignorons le nom et l’appartenance à un groupe spécifique. Quand on examine ce récit, on se demande si Jésus n’est pas déraisonnable dans ses attentes. Cet homme demande à enterrer décemment son père, ce qui, selon la foi juive, était un devoir sacré. Que se passe-t-il ici?

Contrairement à ce que l’on croit généralement, le père du jeune homme n’était ni mort ni même près de mourir. Peut-être même «jouissait-il d’une bonne santé, le moment de sa mort appartenant à un avenir non défini.» — Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 366. Mais dans ce cas, pourquoi cet homme a-t-il répondu ainsi ? Cherchait-il une excuse, que Jésus a décelée ? Parce que les morts étaient généralement enterrés le jour même, si son père était réellement décédé, la question ne se serait pas posée, il aurait pu accomplir sa tâche et serait retourné auprès de Jésus ensuite.

La réponse de cet homme était révélatrice de son caractère. Contrairement au scribe, impatient et impulsif, il était lent, léthargique, manquant de zèle pour l’oeuvre du Seigneur, indécis et en proie à des hésitations. En réalité, il repoussait le moment de devenir disciple, parce qu’il ne voulait pas s’engager dans l’immédiat. S’il ne s’engageait pas sur-le-champ, sans doute ne s’engagerait-il jamais. Il semblait dire qu’il deviendrait disciple au moment qui lui semblerait bon. Or, Jésus voulait bien faire comprendre qu’ayant peu de temps pour accomplir son ministère et former des disciples, il souhaitait une attention concentrée et un engagement total de la part de ces derniers.

Mardi: LE JEUNE HOMME RICHE

Lisez Mc 10.17-23 (voir aussi Mt 19.16-26; Lc 18.18-30.) Quelles leçons l’histoire de ce candidat disciple nous inspire-t-elle?
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Pourquoi Jésus, qui savait que le salut ne vient pas des oeuvres de la loi (Rm 3.28; Ga 2.16), a-t-il attiré l’attention du jeune homme riche sur la loi?
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Sans doute observez-vous les commandements, extérieurement du moins, mais où est votre trésor? Comment justifiez-vous votre réponse?
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La leçon d’aujourd’hui traite d’un personnage haut en couleurs, venu sans timidité et sans se cacher. Il a fait une entrée remarquée. Marc dit qu’il a couru vers Jésus et qu’il est tombé à genoux devant lui. Si Marc et Matthieu ne nomment pas cet homme, Luc précise que c’était un dirigeant, peut-être un membre du noble conseil des Juifs. Matthieu dit qu’il était jeune. Son titre de «jeune homme riche» est une description faite à partir des trois récits.

En présence de Jésus, il engage aussitôt une discussion, cherchant, semble-t-il, à flatter Jésus, qui ne se laisse pas prendre. Le Seigneur va droit au coeur de la question, attirant l’attention du jeune homme sur la loi de Dieu.

D’une certaine manière, la réponse à cette question se trouve dans la réponse du jeune homme. Il gardait la loi, mais sentait que cela ne suffisait pas. Quelque chose manquait, d’où sa question: « Que me manque-t-il encore ? » (Mt 19.20) En d’autres termes, même si, extérieurement, il semblait agir comme un fidèle disciple du Seigneur, il lui manquait quelque chose. Les paroles de Jésus et la réaction du jeune homme à celles-ci montrent que son coeur n’était pas réellement converti. En dirigeant son attention sur les commandements, Jésus voulait lui montrer que le véritable salut vient d’une obéissance à la loi induisant la mort à soi-même. La richesse de cet homme était devenue pour lui une idole, et Jésus voulait lui faire prendre conscience qu’indépendamment de ses biens matériels, son trésor se trouvait sur terre et non au ciel et que son coeur avait besoin d’une transformation radicale.

Mercredi: NICODÈME

Lisez Jn 3.1-21. Au sujet de quoi Nicodème se renseignait-il?
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Que nous apprend ce que Jésus dit à Nicodème sur ce qu’est un disciple?
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Peut-être êtes-vous de la bonne «descendance», c’est-à-dire, que vous êtes dans la bonne Église et que vous connaissez les bonnes doctrines et les bons enseignements. Pourquoi, cependant, n’est-ce pas suffisant? Comment éviter le piège consistant à penser qu’être membre de la bonne Église, ou même connaître les bonnes doctrines, est suffisant?
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L’un des récits les plus fameux du Nouveau Testament est celui de Nicodème, qui est venu trouver Jésus de nuit et lui a posé la question: «Comment cela peut-il advenir?» (Jn 3.9)

Il est intéressant de remarquer que Jésus parlait à Nicodème de l’oeuvre de l’Esprit, alors qu’en fait il était clair, d’après ses paroles et ses actes, que Nicodème était lui-même convaincu par le Saint-Esprit. Le fait qu’il soit venu voir Jésus non pour le piéger (comme tant de ses contemporains), mais pour apprendre de lui met en évidence la sincérité de son coeur.

Dans l’évangile de Jean, la réponse de Jésus à Nicodème — bien adaptée à sa personne — permet de cerner les aspects positifs ou non dans la vie d’un disciple. Jésus dit que la naissance physique et la descendance juive ne sont pas suffisantes. Devenir disciple suppose une renaissance qui fait entrer en communion avec le royaume céleste et ouvre le coeur à l’oeuvre constante du Saint-Esprit. Le fait que Nicodème ne l’ait pas compris révélait encore plus qu’il était insuffisant d’être né Juif ou dans une bonne famille. Jésus a saisi cette occasion pour mieux expliquer comment on devenait disciple. Même si Nicodème n’a pas réagi immédiatement ni ouvertement à la proposition qui lui était faite, il a à certains moments agi secrètement à la façon d’un disciple. Il était en tout cas candidat à ce rôle, même s’il ne s’est pas engagé tout de suite. Comme nous le savons, il a changé par la suite (Jn 19.39).

Jeudi: L’EFFET DE FOULE

Lisez Lc 4.16-30. Que s’est-il passé? Pourquoi les gens ont-ils agi ainsi sur le plan collectif? Pourquoi ces candidats disciples ont-ils échoué?
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Vous laissez-vous facilement influencer par la foule, les préjugés et les enseignements de votre propre culture ou de la société dans laquelle vous vivez? Quelles démarches concrètes entreprendre pour vous protéger des dangers de l’effet de foule?
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Nous savons que le salut est quelque chose de personnel. Nous ne sommes pas sauvés en groupe; nous n’entrons pas collectivement dans le royaume céleste (voir Ez 14.20). À la fin, nous aurons à répondre individuellement de nos actes, non des actes d’autrui (Rm 14.12).

Cependant, nous ne vivons pas isolés. Nous sommes en contact avec d’autres personnes et nous influençons les autres, tout comme ils nous influencent. L’influence que nous exerçons les uns sur les autres, en bien ou en mal, fait partie de la nature humaine, et même de la nature humaine déchue (voir Gn 3.6). Malheureusement, si nous n’y prenons garde, nous sommes influencés négativement.

Même si, au début, tous se sont émerveillés des paroles de Jésus, quand celles-ci sont devenues incisives, ils se sont retournés en masse contre lui. Imaginez que l’un de ces candidats disciples, au lieu de succomber à la colère, se soit humblement soumis à la réprimande. Qui sait quelle influence il aurait eue sur les autres? Mais il est écrit que «tous, dans la synagogue» (Lc 4.28) sont devenus furieux, au point de vouloir le tuer. Nul doute que la colère de l’un a entraîné la colère de l’autre, puis d’un autre encore et ainsi de suite, jusqu’à ce que toute la synagogue, qui était venue adorer l’Éternel, prise de colère, ait voulu tuer Jésus. Si ces personnes avaient été réprimandées par lui individuellement, elles auraient été en colère, sans doute, mais elles seraient probablement parties. Alors que là, portées par la foule, elles ont agi d’une façon extrêmement violente.

Vendredi: POUR ALLER PLUS LOIN

À LIRE:
Ellen WHITE, Jésus-Christ, p. 150-159, 324-333, 514-518; Seventhday Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 365, 366, 456-460, 602-605, 926-934.

«En cette époque de piété malmenée et de principes pervertis, ceux dont la conversion s’exprime par la vie et la pratique feront preuve d’une spiritualité saine, à l’influence forte. Ceux qui connaissent la vérité telle qu’elle est révélée dans la Parole de Dieu doivent maintenant venir sur le devant de la scène. Dieu vous le demande, frères. Usez de toute l’influence dont vous disposez pour servir le bon camp. Tous doivent maintenant apprendre à prendre la défense d’une vérité digne d’être admise.» — Ellen WHITE, Medical Ministry, p. 22.

«Mais quoiqu’il [Nicodème] n’ait pas reconnu publiquement le Christ, il s’était, à plusieurs reprises, au sanhédrin, opposé aux prêtres qui voulaient le mettre à mort. Quand, enfin, Jésus avait été crucifié, Nicodème se souvint des paroles qu’il lui avait adressées la nuit de leur entretien: “Comme Moïse éleva le serpent dans le désert, lui avait-il dit, il faut de même que le Fils de l’homme soit élevé.” (Jn 3.14) Et il reconnut en Jésus le Rédempteur du monde.» —Ellen WHITE, Conquérants pacifiques, «L’Évangile en Samarie», p. 92.

À méditer

Vous est-il arrivé de vous laisser prendre par un effet de foule, de laisser la foule vous entraîner, peut-être sur une impulsion, et d’avoir fait quelque chose que vous avez regretté plus tard? Dans l’affirmative, en quoi cette expérience vous a-t-elle aidé à ne pas récidiver?

Réfléchissez davantage au point traité plus tôt dans la semaine selon lequel faire partie de la véritable Église ne suffit pas. Quel message doivent en retirer les adventistes du septième jour que nous sommes? Ne risquons-nous pas de tomber dans ce piège, c’est-à-dire de croire que connaître la vérité suffit? Discutez à l’École du sabbat des façons de se protéger d’une telle illusion.

Revoyez les raisons pour lesquelles ceux qui auraient pu devenir disciples ne se sont pas engagés plus loin (avec, notamment, l’exception de Nicodème). Quelles autres excuses donne-t-on généralement? Comment notre église peut-elle aider ceux qui sont confrontés à une décision aussi importante?

Quelle est la différence entre un croyant et un disciple?

3. APPELÉS PAR JÉSUS À ÊTRE DISCIPLES

Étude de la semaine: Mt 4.18-22; 5.46; 9.10,11; Mc 1.16-20; Lc 5.1-11; 18.10,11; Jn 1.35-51.

Verset à mémoriser: «Or la foi, c’est la réalité de ce qu’on espère, l’attestation de choses qu’on ne voit pas.» (He 11.1)

Questions clefs:
À quoi ressemblaient les premiers appels à devenir disciple ? Quel a été le rôle des Écritures à cet égard ? Que nous apprend l’appel fait à Lévi-Matthieu? Malgré de nombreuses différences, quels sont les éléments que l’on retrouve dans tous les appels à devenir disciple? Quels avantages avons-nous aujourd’hui par rapport aux premiers disciples?

Quand Garibaldi a fait proclamer sa célèbre déclaration après la prise d’assaut de Rome: «Soldats! Je n’ai rien d’autre à vous offrir que la faim, la soif, les épreuves et la mort. Que tous ceux qui aiment leur pays me suivent!» il savait que de nombreux vaillants jeunes gens le suivraient, acceptant la faim, la soif et la mort.» — A. Gordon NASBY, éd., Treasury of the Christian World, New York : Harper and Brothers, 1953, p. 92. Contrairement à Garibaldi, Jésus n’a pas lancé son appel pour l’amour d’un pays, mais pour l’amour de Dieu — appel qui, s’il pouvait entraîner la faim, la soif, les épreuves et la mort, offrait également une promesse de vie éternelle. C’est ainsi que les hommes d’hier et d’aujourd’hui ont accepté et continuent d’accepter son appel à le suivre et à lui consacrer leur vie, apportant des changements dans ce monde dès à présent et pour l’éternité.

Cette semaine, nous examinerons de nouveau les premiers appels à devenir disciple, cherchant ainsi à en glaner des leçons pour nous-mêmes.

Dimanche: LES PREMIERS APPELS

Lisez Jn 1.35-51, puis répondez aux questions suivantes :

1. Comment Jean-Baptiste a-t-il préparé la voie à l’appel fait par Jésus à ces premiers disciples? D’après la façon dont il a agi, qu’apprenons-nous sur nous-mêmes et sur notre mission en tant que peuple?
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2. Quel rôle essentiel les Écritures ont-elles joué par rapport au désir des gens à suivre Jésus? Quel message en retirons-nous ici?
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3. Quel rôle les disciples ont-ils joué en appelant d’autres hommes à suivre Jésus? Qu’est-ce que cela nous indique sur la mission qui nous a été proposée?
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4. Comment Jésus a-t-il aidé Nathanaël à surmonter ses préjugés?
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Si vous deviez parler de Jésus à quelqu’un, que diriez-vous? Quelle est la profondeur de votre vécu avec le Seigneur? Que dire sur Jésus de façon à inciter les autres à le suivre?
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Après avoir passé un peu de temps avec Jésus, André, non seulement a cru que Jésus était bien le Messie, mais il a immédiatement fait ce que le Maître attend de chacun de ses disciples : il a proclamé sa joie d’être disciple. André semble avoir compris un aspect vital propre à la condition de disciple : celle-ci n’est pas d’un usage privé, pas plus qu’elle n’est le fait d’une communauté fermée ou d’un club exclusif. C’est une expérience à partager avec autrui.

La réponse d’André à l’appel à devenir disciple offre un modèle à suivre. Il a entendu les paroles de Jean et il a suivi Jésus. Puis il a parlé de ce qu’il vivait à son frère Pierre, l’amenant à Jésus, de sorte que ce dernier est devenu lui aussi un disciple.

De même, après avoir entendu la vérité sur Jésus, nous prenons l’engagement de le suivre, puis nous parlons de lui aux autres — comportement qui se reproduit jour après jour dans le monde entier.

Lundi: LE PREMIER APPEL DE JÉSUS DANS MATTHIEU ET MARC

Dans Mt 4.18-22 et Mc 1.16-20, ce premier appel nous apparaît dans une perspective différente. Dans ces deux exemples, ceux qu’il a appelés ont laissé tomber leurs filets et l’ont suivi. Qu’est-ce que cela signifie?
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Recherchez les textes suivants. Ne se passe-t-il pas la même chose ici, même si les circonstances sont différentes?
Gn 12.1; (voir aussi He 11.8)
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1 R 19.19-21
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Ph 3.8
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He 11.24,25
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Ce n’est pas le seul moment et le seul endroit où cela se passe ainsi dans la Bible.

On ne le répétera jamais assez : le Seigneur exige notre coeur tout entier. Tout ce que nous ne lui abandonnons pas, tout ce à quoi nous nous raccrochons, devient des idoles, des choses que nous estimons plus importantes que lui. Pis encore, toutes ces choses auxquelles nous nous accrochons sont comme des hameçons dont se sert le diable pour nous détourner complètement du Seigneur. C’est pourquoi nous devons être prêts à abandonner tout ce que le Seigneur nous demande d’abandonner. Nous ne pouvons, comme il l’a déclaré, «être esclave de deux maîtres» (Mt 6.24).

Mardi: L’APPEL DE JÉSUS DANS LUC

Lisez Lc 5.1-11. Qu’est-ce qui indique que Pierre croyait déjà en Jésus?
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Quelle a été la réponse de Pierre? En quoi sa réponse, de plusieurs manières, exprime-t-elle l’essence même du rôle de disciple et de l’Évangile éternel? Es 53.6; Rm 5.16-21; 1 Jn 1.7-9.
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Réfléchissez à ce que Jésus a fait pour nous au calvaire. Réfléchissez à ses promesses d’accueil, de pardon et de réconciliation avec Dieu, rendues possibles grâce à la croix. Proclamez ces promesses, non parce que vous en êtes dignes (Pierre l’étaitil?), mais parce que Dieu les a faites et que vous désirez le croire «sur parole».
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Lc 5.1-11 offre la version de Luc concernant l’appel fait aux disciples. Comme pour les autres récits évangéliques, il s’y trouve des éléments qui n’existent pas dans les autres évangiles, tout en omettant des aspects qui sont précisés dans ceux-ci. Certains avancent ainsi que ces récits sont contradictoires, alors qu’un examen soigneux permet habituellement de résoudre la question, montrant simplement que malgré des détails différents ou des accents mis, les récits s’accordent, notamment sur les points essentiels.

Réfléchissez. Ils avaient pêché toute la nuit, le moment le meilleur, et n’avaient rien attrapé. Jésus arrive alors et leur recommande de jeter le filet à l’eau. Il plaisante? Si nous n’avons rien attrapé de la nuit, comment serait-ce possible de jour? Cependant, pour une raison que nous ignorons, Pierre l’écoute. Avait-il déjà des raisons de lui faire confiance?

Malgré notre nature déchue, malgré nos fautes et nos faiblesses, malgré le fait que, comme Paul, nous sommes pécheurs, Dieu ne nous abandonne pas. Comme il serait naturel de dire, en présence du Divin : «Éloigne-toi de moi»! Couverts par le sang de la croix, il nous est possible de demeurer dans la présence de Dieu et de devenir ses disciples.

Mercredi: L’APPEL FAIT À LÉVI-MATTHIEU

Lisez Mt 9.9; Mc 2.14; Lc 5.27,28. Cf. l’appel fait à Lévi-Matthieu et celui adressé aux premiers disciples. Quelles en sont les similitudes et les différences?
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Lisez Mt 5.46; 9.10,11; Mc 2.16; Lc 18.10,11. Que disent ces textes sur la façon dont les hommes comme Matthieu étaient considérés par leur société?
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Qui, dans notre société, est considéré comme paria? Quels sont les personnes socialement et moralement inacceptables? Quelle attitude adoptez-vous vis-à-vis d’eux? L’histoire de Lévi-Matthieu ne nous apprend-elle pas qu’il ne faut pas juger autrui trop vite? Commentez.
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Jusqu’à présent, ceux que Jésus appelait à devenir disciples étaient apparemment des Juifs fervents, comme l’implique Jn 1.44,45. L’appel fait à Lévi-Matthieu, cependant, est adressé à une personne en marge de la société. C’était un publicain, considéré par les Juifs comme l’un des pires éléments de la société.

Matthieu était un candidat improbable à la vocation de disciple. Premièrement, il se trouvait assis « au bureau des taxes » (Mt 9.9). Les écrivains romains associaient les publicains à des tenanciers de maisons closes, les rabbins à des voleurs. On considérait qu’ils pratiquaient des extorsions (Lc 3.12,13), qu’ils étaient notoirement malhonnêtes et universellement haïs, notamment parce que c’était des Juifs qui dépouillaient leurs concitoyens en faveur de l’ennemi, escroquant même le gouvernement.

Il était donc peu probable qu’un homme doté d’un caractère et d’une réputation aussi exécrables soit appelé par Jésus à devenir disciple! C’est pourtant exactement ce qui s’est passé. L’appel que le Christ a fait ainsi évoquait l’universalité du salut, l’absence de préjugés au sein de son royaume et son désir de donner à tous une chance d’être sauvé.

Jeudi: L’APPEL QUI NOUS EST ADRESSÉ

En vous basant sur ce que nous avons vu cette semaine (et les semaines précédentes) sur l’appel à devenir disciple, quel message particulier trouvons-nous dans He 11.1?
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Lisez Mc 10.35-40; Jn 18.10; Ac 1.6. Dites pourquoi, d’après ces textes, les disciples comprenaient en réalité fort peu de choses sur Jésus.
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Votre foi est-elle faible? Serait-ce à cause des choses que vous regardez, auxquelles vous pensez ou consacrez votre temps? Quelles démarches énergiques pouvez-vous faire, dès à présent, pour permettre à votre foi de grandir?
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La réponse de ces disciples à l’appel du Christ était d’autant plus surprenante qu’ils ne devaient pas savoir grand-chose de ce qui les attendait en laissant tout pour suivre le Maître.

Même si, comme nous l’avons vu cette semaine, ils possédaient des notions bibliques leur permettant de penser que Jésus était le Messie (Jn 1.45), on voit en étudiant les évangiles combien l’oeuvre et le ministère de Jésus leur étaient peu connus, notamment l’aspect essentiel de sa mission: sa mort sur la croix. Comme nous le savons, jusqu’à la fin et même ensuite, ils se trompaient lourdement sur ce qui suivrait.

Réfléchissez à l’avantage que nous avons, disciples modernes, sur ces premiers disciples, notamment au moment où Jésus les a appelés. Il est certain qu’ils ont assisté à de nombreux miracles remarquables, mais ils étaient loin de posséder notre connaissance sur l’oeuvre, la mission et la victoire ultime du Christ. Et pourtant, malgré cela, ils ont avancé par la foi, cette foi dont parle He 11.1.

Vendredi: POUR ALLER PLUS LOIN

À LIRE:
Lc 5.1-11; Ellen WHITE, Jésus-Christ, p. 114-126, 228-234 (cf.Mt 9.9; Lc 5.27,28 ; Jn 21.1-11) ; Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 352, 739, 909-911.

«Voilà que les quatre associés se retrouvaient en possession de la plus grande prise de poissons qu’ils aient jamais ramenée sur le rivage. Et c’est au moment de leur plus grand succès matériel qu’ils ont abandonné leur activité […] Même quand on songe à ce que signifiait un tel miracle, il leur a certainement fallu une bonne dose de foi pour quitter le métier qu’ils s’étaient choisi en échange d’une vie incertaine pour suivre un maître itinérant qui, jusqu’alors, n’avait remporté que peu de succès […] Les disciples n’ont pas hésité un seul instant. De façon immédiate et intelligente, ils ont pris la décision de dissoudre leur excellente association de pêcheurs pour en conclure une plus excellente encore avec Jésus comme pêcheurs d’hommes. Ils n’ont pas eu besoin de prendre le temps de réfléchir ni de veiller aux besoins de leurs familles […] Ils s’étaient lancés dans les profondeurs de la mer comme des pêcheurs ordinaires; revenus sur le rivage, ils se sont lancés par la foi dans les profondeurs vers lesquelles les appelait le Christ, pour aller pêcher des êtres humains.» — Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 739.

À méditer
Comment allez-vous réorganiser vos priorités de façon à glorifier Dieu davantage et à assumer votre rôle de disciple de façon plus cohérente?

En vous référant à la leçon de jeudi, dites pour quelles raisons nous sommes avantagés par rapport aux premiers disciples. Que savonsnous qu’ils ignoraient? Faites une liste et discutez de ce que vous avez noté, puis demandez-vous: «Que faisons-nous de ces avantages? Les utilisons-nous pour grandir en grâce? Comment vont-ils nous aider à faire des disciples?»

Réfléchissez encore à l’appel fait à Lévi-Matthieu. Discutez en classe des préjugés à l’encontre de certains groupes. Qu’en est-il de votre église en général ? Qui sont considérés comme des parias par votre culture? Comment exercer un ministère auprès d’eux? Les églises reflètent souvent la culture ambiante, y compris les préjugés. Dans quelle mesure êtes-vous ouverts aux Matthieu de votre société? Comment aider votre église à surmonter ce terrible symptôme propre à l’humanité déchue?