Looking Ahead

"And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

Luke 14:27 NKJV

Master Jesus looked ahead when choosing his disciples and dedicating to them the time and care necessary to train them and prepare them for the task of continuing after him and without him. I am a staunch supporter of discipleship and my publications bear witness to this. In fact, I am deeply convinced that every believer must sooner or later decide whether to be a disciple, taking up their cross and being prepared to make sacrifices (Luke 14:26-27). It is not a title that can be acquired at spiritual birth (baptism) or during the journey, but a role to be filled with will, desire and commitment over time. To be a disciple, first of all, you need a teacher, a role model and constant inspiration. The “greater” the teacher, the more the disciple will have the opportunity to grow. In the same way, those who choose a “small” teacher will remain small: “No disciple is greater than his teacher; but when a disciple is fully trained, he will become like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). Following Christ therefore means following one of his faithful witnesses. If the apostle Paul could present himself as a model, today it seems more difficult to place oneself in the shadow of exemplary “masters”. I fear, unfortunately, that there are not a few who set out on the path of discipleship with personal ambitions, perhaps motivated by family or work frustration, or by the need for affirmation or qualification in the ecclesial context to which they belong.

Paul followed Barnabas, his mentor on the Way, even though he had spent years at the feet of Gamaliel, before setting himself up as an example for many, as well as for the Corinthians: “For you yourselves know how you should imitate us, because we did not behave disorderly among you” (2 Thessalonians 3:7); “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern” (Philippians 3:17). Just as a child is the “product” of a parent, so the disciple mirrors the master. No aspiring disciple can go it alone, because alone you go nowhere. In this light, the sending out of two disciples at a time on the first Christian mission may have had a reason. Although they returned in high spirits and triumphant, many decided to give up when the going got tough. Jesus asked the small number of people who remained if they wanted to leave too (John 6:67). Life has difficult moments, crossroads and circumstances that require a choice and it's not always easy to choose to be on the Lord's side. A disciple is someone who is able to make sacrifices and take up the cross of his Lord, despite everything. Paul explains to the Corinthians what the criterion for their choices should be: not personal gain or comfort, but rather that every attitude should be aimed at the “glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). At the same time, the search for the spiritual good of others requires that we carefully avoid being a stumbling block or a scandal for anyone.

To fulfill Jesus' final command: “Make disciples!” (Matthew 28:19), the Glory of God and the spiritual well-being of others should remain the only objectives for believers of every generation, and therefore also for us. Jesus looked to us and after us when he recommended making disciples. The apostle Paul did the same (2 Timothy 2:2). I remain of the opinion that discipleship is not a title or a certificate, but the course of a life lived in the following of Christ, which is transferred to others as in a system of communicating vessels. We are all invited to believe in Jesus, but only a small part chooses to carry the cross and follow Him; only those who are willing to be prepared show the will to grow spiritually. Unfortunately, there are situations in which there is no clear path, and believers remain on the sidelines, without maturing in experience or uncertain of what to do. At the same time, however, I believe that if we insist on relegating an aspiring disciple to being a user-spectator of lessons and seminars, without encouraging him and/or enabling him to perform a service, over time he will fade away. I hope that in our day there will be examples that are capable of stimulating young people to give the best of themselves, always! And I want to strive to be one of them.

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Weekly Bible Reading Plan #16

April 14, 1 Samuel 25-26; Luke 12:32-59

April 15, 1 Samuel 27-29; Luke 13:1-22

April 16, 1 Samuel 30-31; Luke 13:23-35

April 17, 2 Samuel 1-2; Luke 14:1-24

April 18, 2 Samuel 3-5; Luke 14:25-35

April 19, 2 Samuel 6-8; Luke 15:1-10

April 20,  2 Samuel 9-11; Luke 15:11-32