21. What does it mean to be a Disciple - The Building
Key Verses / Passages
Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:40-44
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Discussion
After being called by Jesus, we see In Chapter 7 and 8 different moments where Jesus builds His disciples by showing them practical Biblical teachings in action. Here is Chapter 7:40-44, Jesus teaches Simon the Pharisee about the importance of forgiveness leading to love. After calling the disciples to Himself, He provided them with opportunities designed to build their faith. The student needs to exercise their knowledge! In Luke 7, He exposed His disciples to critical teaching. They learned about having an eternal view, rejoicing, loving enemies, not judging others, and bearing spiritual fruit. In Luke 8, He allowed them to observe Him on the front line of ministry. They saw Jesus heal people & raise the dead. They saw Him calm a storm. They also learned how to treat people by watching Him. Through His display of constant love & compassion towards those in society who were shunned, His disciples were learning the transformative idea of unconditional love. Once being called, the student must be presented with opportunities to test their knowledge, and observe the teacher in action, as there is an infectious power in mirroring a good example for others.
So, what lessons are you learning from Jesus right now? Are you learning to forgive? Love? Be generous? Be obedient? It is in experiencing & in doing that a disciple is built.
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Reflection / Questions
• What lessons are you learning from Jesus right now?
• Have there been times when you have failed to follow God’s way? Do you think this has shaped you into being built into a disciple?
• What can you do today to keep exercising your faith?
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Prayer
Dear God, thank you for desiring to teach me new things every day. Thank you for the promise in Romans 8:28 that says everything works together for the good of those who love you. Help me shape my failures and successes into learning to become a stronger disciple.