John 6 is at once one of my favorite chapters to chew on… and the most frustrating chapter to read. It is the deep call to discipleship and full participation in Christ.
This is the place where Jesus drives a crowd AWAY. In our world, that’s utter foolishness. We are so thirsty for big crowds! We celebrate big crowds! And Jesus is here thinning things out! Continue reading “The difficulty of discipleship”
“The sanctification of the church-community consists in its being separated by God from that which is unholy, from sin… For the community of saints this implies three things. First, its sanctification will manifest itself in a clear separation from the world. Its sanctification will, second, prove itself through conduct that is worthy of God’s realm of holiness. And, third, its sanctification will be hidden in waiting for day of Jesus Christ.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Discipleship
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matt. 7:12) Continue reading “How to live with others”
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matt. 28:18-20, NIV) Continue reading “The heart of the Great Commission”
“The earth is preserved by salt; the world lives because of these poor, ignoble, and weak people, whom the world rejects… (This salt) penetrates the entire earth. It is the earth’s substance. Thus, the disciples are focused not only on heaven, but are reminded of their mission on earth… (Christ) brings them into his work… The community of disciples must remain what Christ’s call has made them. That will be their true efficacy on earth and their preserving strength.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Discipleship
When Jesus demanded voluntary poverty of the rich young man, the young man knew that his only choices were obedience or disobedience… Continue reading “Simple obedience”
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matt. 25:37-40, NIV) Continue reading “The standard of judgment”
