Luke 14:26-27
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple."
According to Jewish tradition, a rabbi is "a teacher of the Torah." The word rabbi is derived from the Hebrew word "rabi" (רבי) which is the way a student would address a master of Torah. The word master (רב):rav, literally means "great one."
Back then there were many different "teachers or rabbis," each with their various followers who were called "disciples: students."
As Christians, you've heard it said time and again that you are to "go into all the world and make disciples," I'm sure. All through your growing-up years, you heard about discipleship, the cost of discipleship, about denying your father, dwhying mother, your, brother and that you must "take up YOUR CROSS and follow Jesus;" and, don't forget: "Put Jesus first!!" Then a scripture like the one above is referenced, right?
Of course, ABSOLUTELY: WE MUST PUT JESUS FIRST! Now, I understand the what we all mean when say, "Go into the world and spread the gospel to every nation and make disciples." Nothing wrong with saying that; but let's remember who and what we really are.
When you accepted Jesus, you already did ALL the above. You already denied everyone to follow Him. You already died at the cross with Him. You are not like someone who needs to "take up your cross" as if you are on the way TO death: YOU'RE ALREADY DEAD! And dead is dead.
Notice that in this last appearance of the word it says "OLD disciple." Would you care to guess how many times the word appears in the rest of the New Testament?
Because the days of "rabbi" and "disciple" are OVER!
What???
The word "disciple" in Greek simply means "learner or pupil." While it is true that we never want to stop learning, the word "disciple" implies there is a "rabbi."
dispensation. We are now identified as as "sons and daughters of God."
Think of it this way: If, say, Prince William were to walk into a room as a lady tripped and fell, instead of waiting for an usher to come and help, he stooped down to help her to her feet. Since He doesn't have to bow down and serve but chooses to, there is "glory" in his action because he's a prince. An usher, on the other hand, would be expected to help, and would not be accorded any special honor.
That's why we do not call God "Jehovah"...although He is...or "Almighty God"...although He most certainly is. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. There is a place for those titles, but "Abba:Father" is His FAVORITE NAME because we are no longer merely friends of God or disciples of our teacher:
Of course, ABSOLUTELY: WE MUST PUT JESUS FIRST! Now, I understand the what we all mean when say, "Go into the world and spread the gospel to every nation and make disciples." Nothing wrong with saying that; but let's remember who and what we really are.
When you accepted Jesus, you already did ALL the above. You already denied everyone to follow Him. You already died at the cross with Him. You are not like someone who needs to "take up your cross" as if you are on the way TO death: YOU'RE ALREADY DEAD! And dead is dead.
Rabbis And Disciples.
Let's take a closer look at the word "disciple." Whether singular or plural, "disciple" appears 200 times in the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
Let's take a closer look at the word "disciple." Whether singular or plural, "disciple" appears 200 times in the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
In the very last chapter of John, it is used a total of 10 times!
In stark contrast, in the entire book of Acts, it is used only 30 times. The very last time it appears is here in Acts 21:16:
"There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an OLD DISCIPLE, with whom we should lodge."
"There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an OLD DISCIPLE, with whom we should lodge."
Notice that in this last appearance of the word it says "OLD disciple." Would you care to guess how many times the word appears in the rest of the New Testament?
ZERO. Why?
Because the days of "rabbi" and "disciple" are OVER!
What???
Yep. Let me explain.
First of all, understand, THERE'S NOTHING WRONG with using the word or calling ourselves "disciples." I understand the reasoning. But if you really want to foster grace-New-Covenant-sonship mentality, perhaps it's wiser to stick to scriptural guidelines. After all, Abba writes EVERYTHING in our Manufacturer's Handbook with only our greatest welfare in mind. That being said, let each of us walk before Him as he or she is lead.
The word "disciple" in Greek simply means "learner or pupil." While it is true that we never want to stop learning, the word "disciple" implies there is a "rabbi."
You see, in Jesus' day, and even in modern-day Israel, there are "disciples" of various "rabbis." You can even tell who their mentor is by their clothing, their mannerisms and the teachings of each particular disciple because they don't merely listen to their mentor, THEY INTERNALIZE THE CHARACTER, MANNERISMS, EVEN THE DRESS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RABBI. That's why, when Jesus came, they called him "Rabbi" or teacher; same thing.
Son's And Daughters.
After He rose from the dead He said, "I go to your Father and My Father; your God and my God," meaning "WE are now all in the family of God." We are no longer disciples, like the Jewish people were. There is a clear distinction between that model and our dispensation. We are now identified as as "sons and daughters of God."
Paul and the other writers of the New Testament call us either "sons of God" or "servants." The Greek word used here is "doulos" which means "glorious servant." Only a son can be a "glorious servant;" like Jesus.
Think of it this way: If, say, Prince William were to walk into a room as a lady tripped and fell, instead of waiting for an usher to come and help, he stooped down to help her to her feet. Since He doesn't have to bow down and serve but chooses to, there is "glory" in his action because he's a prince. An usher, on the other hand, would be expected to help, and would not be accorded any special honor.
That's why we do not call God "Jehovah"...although He is...or "Almighty God"...although He most certainly is. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. There is a place for those titles, but "Abba:Father" is His FAVORITE NAME because we are no longer merely friends of God or disciples of our teacher:
WE ARE FAMILY!
That is why, Church, you are no longer merely disciples:
YOU ARE SONS AND DAUGHTERS!
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