Friday Focus, June 12, 2026

Following Jesus

Friday Focus, 12 June 2026

Genesis 18.1-15, (21.1-7); Psalm 116.1, 10-17; Romans 5.1-8; Matthew 9.35-108(9-23)

“Follow me” -- Discipleship

The Church is known by various names and characteristics: a community of saints; God’s chosen people; the new Israel, etc. These images have a strong biblical basis and have been handed down in the Christian tradition across centuries.

However, it is important to remember that the basic calling for the Church is to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

The early church was clear: it was called to a life of discipleship. In a sense, everything else came later.

The Great Commission of Jesus was to “Go… and make disciples of all nations.” It is, therefore, mandatory that the Church never loses sight of this core element of our faith.

But how do we understand Christian discipleship?

In the Gospel lesson (Matthew 9. 35-10. 8(9-23)), we can identify some key aspects of Christian discipleship.

As Jesus traveled around Palestine, he was moved by (had compassion for) the need for hope and healing among those who thronged to him. Matthew writes of those being “harassed” and “helpless.” Biblical scholars like Marcus Borg remind us — in Hebrew and Aramaic (the two languages familiar to Jesus) — the word for compassion was rooted in the term for ‘womb.’ Compassion — for Jesus, and his Jewish contemporaries — was not felt in one’s head but in one’s gut.

It is with this deepfelt concern that he called his disciples and sent them out to proclaim that God’s reign was near, to heal, restore, cleanse, and liberate those to whom they were sent. He also reminded them that they would face and endure hatred, betrayal, opposition, and arrest, and yet endure all this — with the help of God.

What does the mission-paradigm, offered by Jesus, mean for us today?

We can see that discipleship is a calling, a life of grace. Just as Jesus chose his twelve disciples in the gospel passage, Christ has called us and we follow him.

The apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Roman Church, we are justified by faith which is only made possible through Jesus Christ, and it is in his grace we stand. (Romans 5.1-8)

Discipleship always begins with — and is rooted in — divine love. There is nothing about which we can boast. The Church can never be proud of itself, or stand on its own integrity, credibility, or authority.

It is only because God in Christ felt compassion (in God’s “womb,”) toward us that we have been called out as the Church. Indeed, the Greek word for Church – “ecclesia” – is composed of the words “ek,” meaning “out,” and “kaleo,” meaning “called.”

Discipleship is thus an outcome of God’s mission — God reaching out to make us his own. As disciples, we respond to his calling and continue the work of Christ, always with his help.

The words of Jesus to his first disciples, “Follow me,” continue to echo in and through the Church throughout history.

However, the call to be a disciple is never about the disciples themselves. Christian discipleship is always about engaging with — and living for — others.

The chosen disciples are sent out to proclaim the Good News of the kingdom and share God’s healing and liberation with others. The Church, as the community of disciples, is sent out into the world.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury, William Temple, wisely noted: the Church always exists for its non-members, a truth that we often (and sadly) forget.

The Church, while it should certainly be a mutually comforting and loving fellowship of God’s children, cannot become self-centered or inward facing. The Church is a proclaiming community of disciples, in word and deed, making a difference in the world. Discipleship and mission go hand in hand. Without mission, the Church loses its meaning and purpose of existence.

But let us not forget the divine love and compassion at work in Christian mission. Disciples go out to make more disciples – not for the sake of increasing numbers in the pews – but because God’s compassion moves within us.

Is discipleship always a life of reaching out to others?

Do we always have to keep proclaiming and sharing God’s gifts with others?

Jesus gently reminds his disciples that they should also be willing to receive. They should be humble to receive help and support from others. (In Mark’s gospel, Jesus instructs his disciples to eat what is offered them and stay where they are received.)

There is mutual care and compassion as disciples engage in mission.

We can see this (even if a bit indirectly) in the ancient story of Abram receiving the divine visitors into his home. (Genesis 18.1-15, (21.1-7) While Abram generously and compassionately offered the three men food and drink, he also received, even if unexpectedly, blessings from them that would eventually change his life completely.

Connecting this with Christian discipleship, we might say that one cannot give without being open and humble to receive.

Often Christian mission is viewed only in terms of giving or offering – and seldom as receiving. But, when we engage with others in mission, Christ encourages us to receive as well.

Receiving may not just refer to food and other material resources, but also spiritual resources. In other words, disciples are to be open to listening and learning from those to whom they are sent.

Making disciples is not about patronizing. Making disciples is about leading a life of humility, openness, receiving, and genuine dialogue.

Finally, our Lord also reminds the twelve that discipleship involves vulnerability.

We can be proud of our calling as disciples, but we cannot forget that it is always a risk-taking business. Those who follow Jesus, because they strive for peace and justice, often find themselves in trouble with the powers of the world.

Yet, we are never alone. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, is with us and speaks through us.

We read in Romans 5.1-8, that Paul was able to boast in his sufferings, and we can see such difficult Christian witnessing in various parts of the world even today.

Christians are persecuted for their faith in many countries. Mission and evangelism are life-threatening work. Of course, we may not face such circumstances in our society: but as local churches and as individuals, we do face and engage with our fellow sisters and brothers in our schools, workspaces, and neighborhood.

And because of the diversity of religious views around us, including those that are skeptical and suspicious of religion, particularly Christianity, we are often placed in a vulnerable position.

How do we share the light of God in Jesus Christ with someone suffering in darkness and who feels their life is beyond hope?

How do we share the love of Christ with someone who has been hurt by those who claim to be Christians?

How do we speak with someone who has been experiencing systemic injustice in society, at times in the name of Christ?

We could devise our own strategies – but Jesus reminds us that we can always trust in God’s wisdom. No matter who we may face or what our circumstances might be, we know that the Holy Spirit works through us.

After all, it is God who has called and sent us in the first place.

May we, as the Church whose head is Christ Jesus, continue to be mindful that we are disciples by the grace of God.

Let us remember that we are sent — filled with compassion — to “go out and make disciples,” boldly proclaiming the Good News of God’s kingdom in a broken world. Amen.

Norman+

Image:
Following Jesus
Fabric Art,
Duncan, BC

Friday Focus, June 12, 2026

Following Jesus

Genesis 18.1-15, (21.1-7); Psalm 116.1, 10-17; Romans 5.1-8; Matthew 9.35-108(9-23)

“Follow me” -- Discipleship

The Church is known by various names and characteristics: a community of saints; God’s chosen people; the new Israel, etc. These images have a strong biblical basis and have been handed down in the Christian tradition across centuries.

However, it is important to remember that the basic calling for the Church is to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

The early church was clear: it was called to a life of discipleship. In a sense, everything else came later.

The Great Commission of Jesus was to “Go… and make disciples of all nations.” It is, therefore, mandatory that the Church never loses sight of this core element of our faith.

But how do we understand Christian discipleship?

In the Gospel lesson (Matthew 9. 35-10. 8(9-23)), we can identify some key aspects of Christian discipleship.

What does the mission-paradigm, offered by Jesus, mean for us today?

We can see that discipleship is a calling, a life of grace. Just as Jesus chose his twelve disciples in the gospel passage, Christ has called us and we follow him.

The apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Roman Church, we are justified by faith which is only made possible through Jesus Christ, and it is in his grace we stand. (Romans 5.1-8)

Discipleship always begins with — and is rooted in — divine love. There is nothing about which we can boast. The Church can never be proud of itself, or stand on its own integrity, credibility, or authority.

It is only because God in Christ felt compassion (in God’s “womb,”) toward us that we have been called out as the Church. Indeed, the Greek word for Church – “ecclesia” – is composed of the words “ek,” meaning “out,” and “kaleo,” meaning “called.”

Discipleship is thus an outcome of God’s mission — God reaching out to make us his own. As disciples, we respond to his calling and continue the work of Christ, always with his help.

The words of Jesus to his first disciples, “Follow me,” continue to echo in and through the Church throughout history.

However, the call to be a disciple is never about the disciples themselves. Christian discipleship is always about engaging with — and living for — others.

The chosen disciples are sent out to proclaim the Good News of the kingdom and share God’s healing and liberation with others. The Church, as the community of disciples, is sent out into the world.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury, William Temple, wisely noted: the Church always exists for its non-members, a truth that we often (and sadly) forget.

But let us not forget the divine love and compassion at work in Christian mission. Disciples go out to make more disciples – not for the sake of increasing numbers in the pews – but because God’s compassion moves within us.

Is discipleship always a life of reaching out to others?

Do we always have to keep proclaiming and sharing God’s gifts with others?

Jesus gently reminds his disciples that they should also be willing to receive. They should be humble to receive help and support from others. (In Mark’s gospel, Jesus instructs his disciples to eat what is offered them and stay where they are received.)

There is mutual care and compassion as disciples engage in mission.

Connecting this with Christian discipleship, we might say that one cannot give without being open and humble to receive.

Often Christian mission is viewed only in terms of giving or offering – and seldom as receiving. But, when we engage with others in mission, Christ encourages us to receive as well.

Receiving may not just refer to food and other material resources, but also spiritual resources. In other words, disciples are to be open to listening and learning from those to whom they are sent.

Making disciples is not about patronizing. Making disciples is about leading a life of humility, openness, receiving, and genuine dialogue.

Finally, our Lord also reminds the twelve that discipleship involves vulnerability.

We can be proud of our calling as disciples, but we cannot forget that it is always a risk-taking business. Those who follow Jesus, because they strive for peace and justice, often find themselves in trouble with the powers of the world.

Yet, we are never alone. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, is with us and speaks through us.

We read in Romans 5.1-8, that Paul was able to boast in his sufferings, and we can see such difficult Christian witnessing in various parts of the world even today.

And because of the diversity of religious views around us, including those that are skeptical and suspicious of religion, particularly Christianity, we are often placed in a vulnerable position.

How do we share the light of God in Jesus Christ with someone suffering in darkness and who feels their life is beyond hope?

How do we share the love of Christ with someone who has been hurt by those who claim to be Christians?

How do we speak with someone who has been experiencing systemic injustice in society, at times in the name of Christ?

We could devise our own strategies – but Jesus reminds us that we can always trust in God’s wisdom. No matter who we may face or what our circumstances might be, we know that the Holy Spirit works through us.

After all, it is God who has called and sent us in the first place.

May we, as the Church whose head is Christ Jesus, continue to be mindful that we are disciples by the grace of God.

Let us remember that we are sent — filled with compassion — to “go out and make disciples,” boldly proclaiming the Good News of God’s kingdom in a broken world. Amen.

Norman+

Image:Following JesusFabric Art,Duncan, BC

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Image:
Following Jesus
Fabric Art,
Duncan, BC