" Disciples " by Rev.M.D. Rogers

    
Disciples

Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18; Psalm 34:15-22; Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 (RCL)

Throughout the bible Joshua, David, Paul, and Jesus lay challenges of servant ministry before us. It is not done to chastise us, but to help us see and feel the call that is made to each of us to use our skills, our intellect, and our compassion to serve others.

In Joshua, after gathering the tribes of Israel together, he said to their leaders, “Revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and faithfulness.” In the Psalm, David reminds his people, “The Lord ransoms the life of his servants and none will be punished who trust in him.”

In Ephesians, Paul challenges his listeners to “Put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.” The remarkable thing in the Gospel of John is that the disciples have questioned Jesus about his teaching on the Eucharist and what is required of those who follow him. “Many turned back and no longer went about with Him.”

John called those who walked away from Jesus “disciples.” Obviously they were not just folks who showed up at Christmas and Easter. These folks were committed to Jesus -- at least for a while, until things got a little tough and demanding beyond their understanding.

Like many vestries, we are honored to be a member until we have some heart-wrenching decision to make such as a choice between paying our apportionment or keeping the thrift shop open.

The disciples became anxious about Jesus. They might have said, “We like him, but can we do what he is asking?

Jesus called the twelve together and asked them, point blank: “Do you also wish to go away?” Had we been Jesus, how would we have asked that question? Would we have asked it sadly, disappointed by what had just happened? Think of the tough decisions that we have had to make in business, at home, in social clubs, or at church. How have we reacted when questioned about decisions that affect others?

We are uncomfortable. We may feel like getting up and leaving the room; it is a normal reaction. But it is gracious to stay and listen. We need to be part of the solution -- only then can we be at peace. Jesus knew what he was asking of his disciples. He knew what the cost would be: his life! He knew that what he was saying offended them. They were unwilling to really hear what he was saying.

Peter even later asked him, if this is so. “Lord, to whom can we go?” Blessed Peter just could not grasp that Jesus would be with him in spirit as powerfully as he was in flesh. Are not we -- as active as we may be in the life of the church -- often like this? We are fearful of being called “Jesus freaks” if we tell someone about the love Jesus has for them.

Jesus, admittedly, had an advantage over modern Christians. He knew “who were the ones that did not believe, and who would betray him.” We don’t have that luxury.

What we do have is the element of surprise the Holy Spirit works through us as we share the agape love of Jesus with others. Sometimes, no matter how strong our convictions are, or how great our desire to journey with Jesus may be, we may want to walk away, to find a spot in the wilderness away from the pressures around us. Peter doesn’t just come out and tell Jesus that is what he wants to do, but Peter is honest about his uncertainty. He realizes that no one besides Jesus is in the business of eternal life. Either the disciples of Jesus must keep this faith experience alive or it will die away for the simple reason there is no other alternative.