Tag: followers

Those Who Support The Savior

Women were widely regarded as second-class citizens in the Jewish and Roman world of the first century. How does Jesus elevate the role and work of women in His kingdom? In more ways than you might think. Luke 8 gives us some valuable insight…

Neal Pollard

In Luke 8:1-3, Luke provides an interesting interlude between the visit to Simon’s house and his record of Jesus’ teaching of the parable of the sower. It is a practical note, helping us understand how Jesus and the twelve had the financial wherewithal to go from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God (1). They owed this opportunity, monetarily, to the generosity of “some women.” Among them, according to Luke, was Mary Magdalene (who had seven demons cast out of her), Joanna the wife of Chuza, Susanna, and many others (2-3). They weren’t preachers or public proclaimers, but they were vital partners in the success of Jesus’ ministry! They also provide such a powerful example to us today, reminding us that we all can have a role in causing His work to succeed. 

They Did Not Let Social Position Keep Them From Supporting Jesus (2). In the first-century Jewish world, being a woman did not put you at the top of the social heap.  As Stein says, “That certain women followed Jesus indicates that his attitude toward women was quite different from the attitude of most first-century rabbis” (NAS commentary on Luke, 340). They could have used disadvantage as an excuse, but instead they accompanied and supported them. 

They Did Not Let Setbacks Or Sicknesses Keep Them From Supporting Jesus (2). How much time had they lost, individually and collectively, to these problems? We don’t know, but they responded in gratitude to the One who released them from them. These things were not crutches to lean on, but springboards of opportunity. 

They Did Not Let Secular Ties Keep Them From Supporting Jesus (3). One of the women had a husband who worked for Herod Antipas. “It may be that the special knowledge of Herod and his court reflected in Lk. came through him; he and his wife are no doubt named as well-known personalities in the church and are evidence for the existence of Christian disciples among the aristocracy” (Marshall, NIGTC, 317). Many believe Luke’s intimate knowledge of Herod’s household came through her. Herod was a politician, and that life, then as now, brings a spotlight. No doubt, whatever Joanna did reflected on her husband, Chuza, which, in turn, reflected on Herod. Whatever pressure she might have felt did not keep her from identifying with and furthering the work of Jesus. What an example! 

They Did Not Let Sacrificial Choices Keep Them From Supporting Jesus (3). Did you notice that Luke says this ongoing contribution was coming out of their private means? Women did not ordinarily have financial independence, but these women were willing to use their own funds (stipend or allowance?) for Jesus’ divine mission. The old saying is, “Success comes in ‘cans,’ not ‘can’ts’.” They counted the cost (14:28)! 

Their financial support was not meant to be a substitute for doing the duties of discipleship. Mary, the first person Jesus will appear to after His resurrection (Mark 16), is given the job of being the first to tell others He had risen (Mat. 28:7ff). Today, as then, support comes in so many forms. We support Jesus by helping fulfill His Great Commission, by being His hands and feet in helping others, by financially contributing to His work, by edifying the church, etc. We might offer any number of excuses for why we cannot, but we do well to follow these women who did not let anything stop them from supporting the Savior! 

How To Be A Disciple

Carl Pollard

The other week at our graduation party at the Scottsville church of Christ I was introduced to candied pecans. A lady gave me the leftovers and they were incredible. Sadly, they don’t sell those in Scottsville so I looked up a recipe. While I was at the store grabbing ingredients, I made my way to the baking section to look for vanilla. Problem was, I would have to get a mortgage to buy real vanilla. I didnt realize how expensive it was! Luckily I found a substitute called “imitation vanilla.” It’s way cheaper, and it tastes the same (to me), it looks the same, and it’s the same consistency.

We will never be Jesus, but we should try our best to imitate Him. Being a disciple means being a follower. A follower is, “someone who imitates another.” Ephesians 5:1 says, “Therefore be imitators (followers) of God, as beloved children.” Little kids tend to look to the older and imitate what they see. We are to act this way with God.

Why did God save us and add us to His family? So that we would be imitators and followers of God. Doing so takes submission and humility. Every person is a follower of something. You can submit to and imitate anyone or anything. God saved us so that we would choose to follow and imitate Him in everything. 

Being a follower takes submission. Are we meek enough to accept the title of slave? God saved us so that we would be slaves to Him and work for the master. That’s how we can truly be disciples! I would rather be a slave in God’s house, than the master of my own. 

If we wear the name Christian, we should be willing to follow Christ. His example is worth imitating! 

Discipleship

Wednesday’s Column: Third’s Words

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Gary Pollard

We are supposed to be disciples. Discipleship is a mark of a healthy church. If we want to be true disciples, we must simply love God and we’ll know what it means to be disciples. Be a disciple. Discipleship is good. 

You’ve heard these statements before. They go along the same lines as, “We need to love God,” or, “We need to be godly,” or, “We need to be good Christians.” These are all true statements, but – at best – are greatly impractical and – at worst – are greatly discouraging. Ambiguous statements with no specific instruction will never accomplish anything. 

So, what is a disciple? The word used in the New Testament is μαθητής (mathetes). It describes someone who “engages in learning through instruction from another” and “who is rather constantly associated with someone who has a pedagogical reputation or particular set of views” (BDAG 609). 

A disciple is someone who passionately pursues something or someone in a specific subject field. A passing interest in pulmonology does not make one a pulmonologist. We know this. A passing interest in Christianity does not make one a Christian. 

If we’re there every time the doors are open but our Bible knowledge is lacking, we are not disciples. If we claim the title “Christian” but the foundation of our faith is a political viewpoint, we are not disciples. 

A disciple passionately studies. A disciple is an exegete. Disciples passionately incorporate and live out the teachings of scripture, which they get from their study. If we are as enthusiastic about our faith as we are about our hobbies, we are disciples. If we want to be called disciples, we must also be considered dedicated students of the word and of the One. 

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