Following the Rabbi
Thesis Statement: If
we are disciples of Jesus, we are commanded to be doing the very same things we
see him doing in the Bible.
This is a series entitled, Following the Rabbi. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be taking a
look at the life of Jesus and His disciples.
This entire series is centered on the verse John 14:12-14.
1)
“Very truly I tell you, he who believes in me
will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than
these, because I am going to my Father.
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be
glorified in the Son. You may ask me for
anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:12-14
This verse states that the disciples are called to not only
do the same things that Christ did, but are also given a prophetic word that
they will do even greater things than he did.
Van mentioned in his sermon a few weeks ago, how Christians, whether
they know it or not, are disciples of Christ.
If that’s so, than shouldn’t we expect ourselves to do “the same and
even greater things than Christ did during his ministry.”
Disciple: A pupil or student
The disciples were students of Jesus. Back in Christ’s day teachers were referred
to as Rabbi’s. A disciple would follow
his rabbi everywhere, and do everything that the rabbi did, trying to learn as
much as they could from their rabbi. In
fact the first disciples of Christ quit their jobs and left their families and
friends to follow Christ anywhere and everywhere.
In scripture, Jesus refers to himself as the disciples’
teacher.
John 13:13-15 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly
so, for that is what I am. Now that I,
your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one
another’s feet. I have set you an example
that you should do as I have done for you.”
Point 1: We are
disciples of Christ
As his students, we should be doing the homework/assignments
he’s commanded us to do.
2)
“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.” Matthew 28:19-20
So Jesus is commanding his disciples to go out and make more
disciples. He is telling them to go out
and lead people to Christ. Once someone
comes to Christ, there is something inside that desires to go and tell everyone
the joy that Christ brings. This is that
call as a disciple to go out and preach the good news.
Point 2: We are called to go and make disciples.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will be looking at both
the wonders and miracles Jesus performed, and also the Spiritual Disciplines he
practiced daily. For example, Jesus
healed many, he raised people from the dead, he practiced daily prayer and
moments of silence and solitude.
3)
“The Kingdom of Heaven has come near. Heal the
sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”
Matthew 10:8
Point 3: We are called to heal, cast out demons, even raise
the dead.
1)
“Very truly I tell you, he who believes in me
will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than
these, because I am going to my Father.
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be
glorified in the Son. You may ask me for
anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:12-14
Key phrase “so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
