Learning from the First Disciples: Understanding the Meaning of Jesus' Life

Introduction (5m)

Codebreakers

Ask for three volunteers.

Show slide 1.

Ask them to follow the instructions. Why aren’t you doing it?

Apologise - haven’t given them the code breaker.

Show slide 2.

Let them/congregation work it out.

Explanation (5m)

When you know the code you can understand the message

Disciples spent a lot of time after Easter Sunday being confused

Didn’t see Scriptures coming true in Jesus.

When they met risen Jesus, weren’t sure who he was.

A ghost! Afraid! Why do you doubt?

Recalled the Scriptures and explained again how they showed he had to suffer, and three days later, rise.

Then the code was cracked and they finally go it!

Imagine the conversations they had then!

Remember when he said/did …

Why didn’t we get the message/understand?

Chatting with Jesus, rereading the Scriptures.

Until just after Jesus returned to heaven they were ready to tell the story themselves.

The HS comes upon them in power at Pentecost giving them the courage to tell others what they knew.

Didn’t waste any opportunities or any time!

For example, Peter’s speech in Jerusalem after healing lame man.

Told it straight.

Told Jews they had rejected Jesus, been responsible for his crucifixion, and had disowned Holy One of God, asking for a murderer to be released in his place.

And then Peter said two words that mattered more than anything … But God

Slide 3.

Allow time for people to work it out.

The important think was not what Peter had understood but what God had done

Jesus was rejected and disowned by the people he came to save, but God had brought honour to him.

The Jews had put Jesus to death, but God raised him from the dead.

Peter and John told a lame man to walk, but God had compassion and gave them the power to make it happen.

Jesus’ resurrection, disciples’ new-found confidence and assurance, healing of lame man - all to do with the power of God, no human being could do any of it.

But God could.

The Jews might have had Jesus crucified, their sin might have caused the Messiah to suffer, but if they came to him in repentance, he would forgive them.

This is what the disciples had worked out and discovered since Easter Sunday

All the things that had happened to Jesus were part of God’s plan.

They could see what Jesus’ life was all about in the light of that plan.

Now they were obeying God by telling others what they had learned.

Application (5m)

Jesus wants us to carry on the work of his first disciples by telling others everything that happened

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we can share Jesus’ story.

But we have to know it for ourselves first, just like the disciples did.

In some ways it’s easier for us, because we have the whole of the New Testament to help us understand.

Like the disciples we can think and talk with Christian friends and pray through what we believe - growth groups - so we’re ready to answer when anyone asks us about Jesus.

Next Steps

SB 680 - Those first disciples of the Lord

Those first disciples of the Lord Received the promise of his word And in their lives such power did dwell To speed the message they should tell To all mankind, that Jesus lives, And grace to each believer gives; May that same grace inspire today To live for Christ, the life and way. 2 Revival is our present need, And can be ours if we will heed That promise ratified by grace, Declared in Christ for every race; For power from God is very sure To men of faith who will endure, And love will triumph over sin To bring God?s glorious Kingdom in. 3 The powers of evil long have sought To ruin man in deed and thought; His longings for the true and good Have been frustrated, though he would Desire to conquer; yet we know God wills, indeed, this should be so. The promise now we may receive; ?Tis sure for all who dare believe. 4 Our deeds must ever match our creed, Then God our way will truly lead As when those first disciples heard And boldly trusted God?s great word. If we believed as they believed, Great grace would hallow every deed, Light would be ours his truth to know And send us forth his love to show. John Hunt (1897-1982) © The General of The Salvation Army. Used By Permission. CCL Licence No. 135015 Copied from The Song Book of The Salvation Army Song Number 680