K.E.Y. Bible Study
The K.E.Y. Bible Study program at Dawson is a systematic Bible study that allows participants to become acquainted with the basic truths of the Bible over a five-­‐year period. Each lesson is self-­‐contained, so, you can join the study at any time during the five years. Purpose: To help Christians: Keep the Faith Be Equipped to Serve Become Yoked in Ministry “The Cost of Discipleship”
March 19, 2014
Matthew 8:18-22 and Luke 9:57-62
General Introduction
The kingdom of God is often called the “upside down kingdom” because its value system is the reverse of the kingdoms of this world. For example, in the kingdom of God, honor is gained through serving others rather than through being served by others. Jesus used an inverted form of recruiting disciples and followers. Instead of minimizing the responsibilities and maximizing the rewards like most recruiters, Jesus told his potential disciples about the cost of following Him very early in their journey together. Jesus offered neither cheap grace nor convenience-­‐based discipleship. Who:
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God, as revealed in His Son, Jesus the Christ Three unnamed men−one of whom Matthew identifies as a teacher of the law or a scribe. A scribe was competent in handling written documents. While a larger portion of the Jewish population than the general population was literate, few could read and write. Due to the uniqueness of their abilities, scribes were highly respected by the people. Because of their ability to read the law and the prophets, they were also frequently interpreters and experts in scriptural issues. Whenever Scripture was read publicly, the reader, through voice inflexion and pacing, often provided interpretation. The interpretation of the law governed relationships, civic duty, and religious ceremony. As a result, scribes were considered people of great authority in most areas of life. When:
This event must have occurred about six months prior to Jesus final entry into Jerusalem. In some Bible commentaries, this section of Jesus’ life is called the “Perean Ministry.” In Matthew, this story apparently is out of chronological order. In this session, we will follow Luke’s account with some details from Matthew. In order to put these events in historical context, a brief chronological outline of the life of Jesus is below: K.E.Y. Bible Study (2013 - 2014)
Dawson Family of Faith
Gary Fenton
K.E.Y. Bible Study
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The birth of Jesus, 4 B.C., to the beginning of the ministry of John the Baptist, 26 A.D. The beginning of John's ministry, 26 A.D., to Jesus’ first public appearance in Jerusalem, 27 A.D. The early Judean ministry, which began with Jesus’ first public appearance in Jerusalem to His return to Galilee, 27 A.D. The Galilean ministry, which began in mid/late 27 A.D. to His final departure for Jerusalem 29 A.D. The Perean Ministry, which was primarily a time in transit from Jesus’ last departure from Galilee to the final arrival in Jerusalem, 30 A.D. The week that Jesus was in prior to the cross and resurrection: April 30 A.D. The forty days between the resurrection and the ascension: May 30 A.D. Where:
These events occurred in Perea, which is the central section of Israel east of the Jordan River. This description was used at times as a way of saying beyond or east of the Sea of Galilee, which was considered the Gentile side. What Happened?
Luke 9:57 (see also Matthew 8:18f) A teacher of the law told Jesus that he would follow Him anywhere. This was an amazing commitment. By this time, most of the religious leaders were either questioning Jesus or openly opposing Him. Matthew’s readers were primarily from a Jewish background and would have been quite surprised. The word translated “follow” was frequently associated with discipleship. Luke 9:58 Jesus’ response to the words “wherever you go” may seem odd to modern readers but would have been easily understood by those living in the first century. Jesus explained that following Him meant you would never have a place to call home. Home may not refer to a literal house but an environment where you would always feel comfortable and safe. In this world, the believer in Jesus feels like a pilgrim or alien. Jesus responded with a questions meaning, “Do you know what you are getting yourself into?” The phrase “no place to lay his head” suggested that Jesus would be rejected. This is an important concept in Christian discipleship expressed by the old African American Spiritual, “This World Is Not My Home.” In the desire to feel at home in this world, we often compromise what we believe and who we are. The desire for emotional security and acceptance outside of a relationship with Jesus will lead to compromise. K.E.Y. Bible Study (2013 - 2014)
Dawson Family of Faith
Gary Fenton
K.E.Y. Bible Study
Luke 9:59 Although Scripture provides no details, Jesus invited another man to follow Him. Quite possibly, this man was listening to the conversation between the teacher of the law and Jesus. Jesus invited the second man to make the same commitment that the teacher of the law had made. Please note that Jesus invited the man to follow; discipleship is a response to an invitation not a discovery. While the second man did not reject the invitation, he responded that he had to bury his father before he would follow. Providing a proper burial for family members, especially for the father, was considered both a religious and a cultural expectation in the Jewish tradition of the first century. The man would have expected not only permission to go but also a blessing for going. Luke 9:60 Jesus told the man to “let the dead bury their own dead” and that he should go and proclaim the kingdom of God or the rule of God. This was a statement of priority, not sarcastic or unkind in any way. Jesus’ response enlarged what He said in verse 58. Luke 9:61 Another person expressed a desire to follow, but explained that he had to tell his family good-­‐bye. Making arrangements with family was expected in Jewish law before you left on journey. Jesus was not suggesting that it was acceptable to abandon your family. Rather, he taught that following Him required prioritizing both family relationships and religious traditions. The strongest bone in the Jewish culture was the family. Jesus said that discipleship requires a commitment that is greater than the commitment we make to our blood kin. In Jesus, we have a new family, and this is our new loyalty. Luke 9:62 Jesus used a common agricultural illustration from the first century: a farmer who looked back over his shoulder while plowing would have a crooked row or hit a rock and damage the plow. Both would limit the productivity of the farmer. KEY Truths
KNOW
Christian discipleship is our highest priority. BE
Christian discipleship is about following and being in relationship with Jesus, not about following a code. DO
Engaging in Christian discipleship will occasionally require you to make costly decisions. K.E.Y. Bible Study (2013 - 2014)
Dawson Family of Faith
Gary Fenton