The Essence of Discipleship
Listen.October 18th, 2009
Rev. Dr. Craig A. Wagner
Introduction
How many of us have ever heard of Robert Woolsey, Bert Wheeler or Dorothy Lee? No show of hands because it might date you. These three were movie stars in the late 1920’s and the 1930’s. Woolsey and Wheeler came from vaudeville to the big screen with their comedy acts. They were a pair much like Abbot and Costello and Laurel and Hardy. Dorothy Lee teamed up with these comedians in a number of films. I can see why they were so popular in their day due to their quick wit, the frenetic comedic actions and even their physical stature made them simply hilarious. Just looking at them would cause someone to laugh. Popularity, however, is not usual long-lived; even for film stars. After all how many of us would even know the names if their films didn’t play late night on TCM?
Of course, the other side of their story is that Woolsey died at age 50, Wheeler married and divorced 4 times and Dorothy Lee had five husbands and one companion( reminiscent of Jesus speaking with the woman who had five husbands and was not married to the one she was living with). Ultimately, the same fate beheld each one of them, as it does with all people; they died. People strive for popularity, wealth, the good life and yet, it is all so fleeting…there needs to be something more than fame, fortune and comfort. And yet, people will let so many transient things become the focus for life that it truly amazes me.
The challenge for us this morning is to reflect upon that which is important in our lives; that for which we strive and focus upon; and how that relates to the call of Jesus to follow him. This morning we need to reflect upon the essence of discipleship for all who claim to be followers of Jesus. We find that following Jesus turns the common values, the worldly successes, upside down and puts in play the values of the kingdom of God.
To serve or be served?
Our passage for this morning deals with the essence of discipleship and the problems that arise from people looking out for their own self-centered agenda. The core group of disciples was no different than anyone else. They wanted positions of honor and prestige among the group and in the kingdom of God. We can tell that from the initial question that James and John posed for Jesus: “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” What a question! In fact, this question reminds us of another similar question when Herod told his daughter he would give her anything she asked for in response to her dance. She asked for the head of John the Baptist. What a self-centered question. Who do these two think they are?
Yet, many of us want glory, prestige and honor in our life. So it was with James and John who wanted Jesus to give them the seats of honor in the kingdom of God; to sit at the right hand of the king was the most honored and powerful seat one could have and the seat on the left hand was next in honor and power. These two were attempting to achieve the highest status in the group and were attempting beat out Peter in this respect.
Consider this: James and John, along with Peter, were the ones who witnessed Jesus raising Jairus’ daughter from the dead and were also the ones who witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain top. Now they wanted to cement their ambition and so asked Jesus this most important question.
Jesus’ response was interesting as he questioned them as to whether or not they would be able to drink the cup he was to drink or to be baptized with the baptism which he would be baptized. We know he was not referring to the cup of wine in the Lord’s Supper, but rather the cup of suffering that he would endure. This was the cup he prayed would be taken from him in the garden; but it was not to be.
He would be baptized in a baptism of suffering on the cross – did they know that when they responded almost without thought? They would undergo suffering; James we know was killed by the sword, probably beheaded; a rather an honorable death compared to the shameful death of crucifixion. However, in John’s life, we do not know how he died.
Finally, we read that the rest of the disciples when they heard what James and John were attempting to do, were angry. Their response would be the response of the world, of the common wisdom and values of society; they all wanted the positions of honor and glory. Jesus then explains the essence of discipleship and this explanation would turn upside down the self-centered approach; the power approach; the glory approach of the rest of the world.
Discipleship is about service. It is about serving others and caring for others. It is about lifting up others and being the servant. For even the Son of man came to serve and not to be served…are they greater than Christ?
Call to discipleship
Jesus turns over long-held assumptions of what is important in life. Selfish ambitions are called into question. Self-righteous behavior is put down and concern for others is highlighted. How many times in life do we catch ourselves thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought; perhaps even thinking that we deserve something more than someone else. We become envious, self-righteous and unwilling to encourage and lift others because we think we are so much better.
Ever been envious of others? Share with you that every once in a while when I go to a conference or workshop or seminar dealing with pastoral issues or congregational matters, I listen politely to the speaker and then begin to think to myself: “I could do what that person is doing? I have better skills than he or she does.” Then I catch myself; no, I couldn’t really do that, or I would be doing it. That person really does know what they’re doing. I catch a dose of reality and humility.
I’ve come to realize a long time ago that God has gifted all of us in various ways; talents, abilities, gifts… and he wants us to use them within the community of faith – not in negative ways, but in ways that lift others and glorify God. I believe that is what true service is about – using your gifts for the glory of God and honoring God as we care for one another in the community of faith. Are we capable of thinking more highly of others than of ourselves; that would be a mark of discipleship? Contrary, when we misuse our gifts, or put down others in conversation or attitude, then we miss the point of what Jesus wants us to do. By asking for the honored seats, James and John wanted to position themselves above the others… thereby putting them down in the eyes of the rest of the disciples. That’s not the way it should be in the community of faith.
The division that James and John caused by their selfish behavior was overturned by Jesus and his call to true discipleship. Have we learned from Jesus? Do we consider in our own life how we relate to others in the kingdom? Do we respond with kindness and gentleness to others? Are we capable of serving one another without pride and ego getting in the way?
Do we learn from Jesus? Do we imitate Jesus in his attitude and actions and self-giving love? If we search ourselves and find we are not living as loving, serving Christians, then We better turn around and ask for forgiveness – or not dare to claim Jesus as Lord!
Grace-filled living
Being a follower of Jesus is not a popularity contest. We are not standing for some sort of election to the places of honor; nor is it a contest to see who can serve more. It is about living for Jesus. It is about living as a forgiven sinner. It is living by God’s grace, mercy and love and then seeking to serve others in a positive and caring way. Just imagine; Jesus love each and every one of us; he gave his life as a ransom so that we might be a part of the kingdom. What a great sacrifice; willing to give up his life for you and for me!
If we truly believe that and live in that promise, how we look at others in the family changes doesn’t it? We look at others as we look at Jesus. Out of that conviction we are called to serve. The greatest among you will be the slave of all. Are we putting the good of others and of our congregation ahead of our worldly concerns; our petty ideas; out self-centered delusions of grandeur and honor?
As we give our lives in service to one another; using our talents and abilities to glorify God, we reflect the presence of Christ; and as we lose our life in service for Jesus, as we imitate our Lord, we then find true and abundant life; life given meaning – kingdom meaning. Abundant life may not look like the success or glory that the world wants and desires, but it is so much deeper and more meaningful and more abundant and more purposeful than the self-oriented world can offer. Prayerfully consider this week what it means to live as the people of God – does the love of God reflect in our lives of service?
Conclusion
I have a great new game on my home computer; it’s called “Wheel of Fortune.” So far I have amassed great wealth of over $300,000. But it really makes no difference, does it? It’s a game. No one cares about it. Whatever we achieve in life, does it matter if we fail to live as Jesus wants us to live? What matters is our relationship to Jesus and to one another. What matters is how we live in service to one another- how we feed people, clothe people, share God’s word with people; care for others with the love we have from God and then let the exultation up to God. Amen.