What does it mean to be a disciple? pt2

Discipleship follows a pattern in the New Testament;

People are attracted to Jesus; often because of miracles that authenticate His position as the Son of God.

Listening is the next step

When I look at the book of Matthew I see the next step very clearly just by reading the bold print in my Bible.

The part that is not inspired by God but given to me to by the translators and the Bible  committees so that I can get a better picture of what is going on and outline of sorts.

Matthew 4 -Jesus begins His ministry

Four fishermen follow Jesus

Jesus preaches throughout Galilee

Chapter 5  -Jesus gives the Sermon on the mount

Beatitudes or blessings

Jesus teaches on salt and light

Jesus teaches about the law

Jesus teaches about anger

Jesus teaches about lust

Jesus teaches about divorce

Jesus teaches about vows

Jesus teaches about retaliation

Jesus teaches about loving your enemies

I believe that you should read these chapters on your own out loud and listen to what Jesus is saying. I believe these were meant to be read out loud and recited because listening is a good tool used by God to open ours eyes and ears to the truth. Jesus in this one sermon or compilation of sermons (depending on which expert you listen to) teaches the basic for life and relationships. Listening is a skill. It is also an act of submission; you can’t listen and speak or argue at the same time. You can choose to not listen – I have done that and had many not listen to me in my lifetime time.  To not listen to an infomercial or maniac on TV or something that is just boring is one thing – but look at the list- what is boring about any of that. I need God’s blessing. So how do I get them listen to the Master.

I need to be a difference maker in my community – salt and light – listen to the master.

I don’t always pay attention why does God’s law matter- listen to the master.

Anger! Me ?! – listen to the master.

Lust! Me ?! – listen to the master.

Divorce- Me ?! – listen to the master.

Vows including marriages and mortgages- Me ?! – listen to the master.

Retaliation and loving your enemies Me ?! – listen to the master.

Being a disciple means being a learner, a follower, someone who seeks to be like the person they are following. So being a disciple of Jesus Christ means we get our identity and purpose from following Him.

Luke 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.