True Disciples

The original twelve disciples of Jesus were pupils, traveling with and learning from their Rabbi. They evidently figured that when Jesus made it big and came to rule the world from Jerusalem that they would have high positions in his government.

But Jesus had a different plan and a very different idea about what makes a disciple.

Seeking A Sign

Some people suggest that what the gospel needs is "signs and wonders." If we would only do miracles of healing, raising the dead and calling down fire from heaven - then people would believe what we say about Jesus.

But Jesus, who was doing such miracles, was still not believed by the vast majority of the people. Besides that, when the Jewish leaders came to him and demanded a sign from heaven, Jesus refused. Seems that Jesus knew something about this that is greater than what we know.

Children & Dogs

Jesus is such a nice person in most of the gospel accounts. But what is going on when he is approached by the Syrophoenician woman? He ignores her, refuses to help her and insults her? What are we supposed to learn from this?

Jesus & The Posers

When the Pharisees and Scribes came to see Jesus they did not notice his exceptional teaching and miracles. They focused in on the fact that his disciples did not conform to the "traditions of the elders." This really bugged the Pharisees.

But Jesus points them to something far more important. He says that their traditions are not going to help them achieve godliness and purity. They need something else.

Serving With Jesus

We all think that it would have been better if we could have lived in the first century when Jesus was doing his ministry. But we have the biblical record of his ministry in the gospels and in many ways we can enjoy the same relationship with Jesus today as the original disciples did so many years ago.

Sent By Jesus

What are the implications of following Jesus? Does he just want us to make ourselves comfortable until he comes?

Jesus sent out his disciples into the surrounding towns to preach the good news about him. We need to learn from them what Jesus expects from us.

The Too Familiar Jesus

The Gospel accounts tell us that although Jesus was well received in many towns and villages during his ministry, at home in Nazareth people were offended by his teaching. They thought that he couldn't be more than the young man they had known. They kind of thought, "Who does he think he is?"

Is it possible to be too familiar with Jesus?  What happens when we are?  How should we relate to him instead?