Discipleship Great and Small

Introduction

Discipleship to Jesus is characterized by sacrifice and transformation.

It is a life defined by death to the old way of living and commitment to the new way of living.

But there can be confusion because there are two sometimes competing messages.

One calls for the daring abandonment of the everyday life of most people.

While another calls for a greater commitment to those everyday responsibilities.

Which direction do we turn. Of course the answer is that we must learn to heed both calls.

The Zeal to do the Simple

Our goal is to follow Jesus in the great AND the small things (Jn. 13:1-11).

Some would even make a grand ceremony completely missing the point.

This is lowly service and it is service that is needed every day.

Responsibility to God does not relieve responsibilities to others (Matt. 15:5-6).

We need to prioritize in such a way that we can fulfill all of our obligations (Lk. 10:38-42).

Fulfilling these daily roles may draw others toward God (1 Pet. 3:1-2).

Even our obligations to God require simple diligence (1 Tim. 4:14-16).

Some preachers talk about not wanting to be “stuck in an office” and I can understand that if that means 8 hours in an office.

But I have heard some sermons from SOME preachers who use that kind of dismissive language and thought they could use some hours in an office.

Along these lines are young men who grow restless of study and want to “get out there” and “get busy doing the work.”

But like many professions, (and more so in this one) if you do not have the knowledge, you can do great harm.

This can be more difficult than the single great act of faith (Matt. 26:68).

The Zeal to do the Daring

We need to understand moments of urgency (Lk. 9:1-5; cf. Lk. 22:36-38).

This is the situation with Martha & Mary.

Additionally, Martha may have invited criticism that would have otherwise not have come (cf. Jn. 12:1-3).

We are called to abandon comfort, not duty (Jn. 19:26-27).

Many hear forsake and they think it is an opportunity to ignore responsibility.

The hard road of discipleship means you may have to defy your loved ones AND still love and care for them.

Preparing for the great moment requires consistency in the simple moments (Matt. 26:40-41).

Bringing the Two Together

Have a radical devotion to the simple acts of obedience (1 Tim. 4:12-13, 15).

Have a life that looks radical by comparison (1 Cor. 7:29-31).

Make radical devotion normal (1 Tim. 3:2).

Conclusion

The radical call can sound exciting. But like marriage, sustained devotion is more important than the momentary zeal.

It is a call to sacrifice and service. But it is the sort that goes on every day, every week, every year, for the rest of your life.

So yes, come, take up that cross, and carry it all the way to the end.