In the gospels we read that Jesus had "disciples". We are also read that our primary task as the church is to "make disciples". And in our United Methodist call, we believe we are called to "make disciples . . . for the transformation of the world."
But did you know that the word "disciple" (Greek) means "learner"? We are called to learn from Jesus. And that means we are also called to bring other people into this learning community. As we learn about Christ, the world can be transformed.
There are many ways that we learn about, and from, Jesus. Yes, we may learn by studying scripture, or praying in community, or listening to a decent sermon and then putting into practice. But we can also learn by doing--by going forth to serve in Christ's name, by leading others, by taking up a cross bearing some portion of the world's burden. We can also learn by practicing faith in our homes, teaching our children, and showing Christian love and hospitality to neighbors. We can learn by inviting others. And we can learn through personal devotion and study and prayer.
Calvary provides a multitude of ways that people can become disciples . . . and we are all on the way to becoming disciples . . . we have never arrived! Some of us may yet be in Galilee--just beginning the journey. Others may be walking with Jesus along the way, being sent out. Others may be traveling the final leg of the journey toward Jerusalem, the holy city. But we are all in route!
I hope you see yourself as a learner! You can learn by being, by doing, and by growing. Don't stop moving with Jesus. Every day can be an adventure. There's so much to learn. And it's the journey of learning that makes life interesting.
But did you know that the word "disciple" (Greek) means "learner"? We are called to learn from Jesus. And that means we are also called to bring other people into this learning community. As we learn about Christ, the world can be transformed.
There are many ways that we learn about, and from, Jesus. Yes, we may learn by studying scripture, or praying in community, or listening to a decent sermon and then putting into practice. But we can also learn by doing--by going forth to serve in Christ's name, by leading others, by taking up a cross bearing some portion of the world's burden. We can also learn by practicing faith in our homes, teaching our children, and showing Christian love and hospitality to neighbors. We can learn by inviting others. And we can learn through personal devotion and study and prayer.
Calvary provides a multitude of ways that people can become disciples . . . and we are all on the way to becoming disciples . . . we have never arrived! Some of us may yet be in Galilee--just beginning the journey. Others may be walking with Jesus along the way, being sent out. Others may be traveling the final leg of the journey toward Jerusalem, the holy city. But we are all in route!
I hope you see yourself as a learner! You can learn by being, by doing, and by growing. Don't stop moving with Jesus. Every day can be an adventure. There's so much to learn. And it's the journey of learning that makes life interesting.
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