Tag: jesus

Jesus Christ and His Apostles

A Painting by Jessica and Ava Wood

Rather Listen, Click Here…

Introduction

My daughter-in-law is a gifted artist. We recently toured her in-home studio and there was a particular abstract style I really liked. The characters, although nondescript, exhibit different personalities. The earth tone she used made me reflect on what I would imagine ancient Palestine to be like. Then an idea popped into my head. “Why not commission her to do a painting of Jesus and the Twelve?” I would love the style and study the individual apostle and match them with the actual Biblical character as I reflected on their personalities. So not only did she put her skills to work but our granddaughter, Ava, helped as well! Here’s the wonderful piece of art they painted for me. Now to study and draw out the Master and His twelve Apostles. Here’s a brief description of how I will tackle each character in the painting;

Outline for each character

  1. Short description
  2. Why I chose that particular character in the painting
  3. Longer description
  4. What I admire about the character
  5. Scripture references used

Jesus is at the center of all the disciples but I will save the best for last and why I chose this particular character to represent Him. A list of the Apostles is given in Matthew’s Gospel.

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him. (Matthew 10:2-4)

We have a lot of information about a few Apostles, a little on a few more and almost none on the rest. I’m going to stick to information found in the Bible and let you research the archives on tradition on your own. I hope you find this interesting and informative as we reflect on the Biblical descriptions of those who literally changed the course of history and use Jessica and Ava’s painting to open the windows of our imagination. 

One last note before we start in earnest; I’m going to use a writing style that will be both understood and enjoyed by my nine year old granddaughter. Ava, I hope you enjoy my description of your painting.

Thank you so much Jessica and Ava!

Simon Peter: The Bold and Impulsive Disciple

Simon Peter was a fisherman by trade, casting his nets into the Sea of Galilee. But when Jesus came into his life, everything changed. Jesus saw something special in Simon and gave him a new name: Peter, which means “rock.” Peter was a mix of boldness and blunders, making him one of the most colorful characters among Jesus’ disciples. I picked this character to show Simon Peter because, if you squint your eyes a little, it seems like his mouth is wide open. Peter was a talkative guy who sometimes got himself into hot water. He’d say things that made people cheer and other times made them scratch their heads.

Peter had moments of great insight and moments when he stumbled. One day, Jesus asked the disciples who they thought He was. Peter boldly declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus commended him for this revelation, saying that it came from God Himself. Peter was like a super hero, standing on the rock of faith.

But then, just moments later, Peter’s impulsiveness got the better of him. When Jesus explained that He would suffer and die, Peter objected, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” Jesus responded sternly, calling Peter “Satan” because he was not thinking about God’s plan but human concerns.

Peter also witnessed a remarkable event on the Mount of Transfiguration. There, he saw Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah. Excited, Peter suggested building three shelters for them. It’s as if he couldn’t contain his awe and enthusiasm. Peter’s journey was a rollercoaster of faith, doubt, and passion—a reminder that even flawed individuals can play significant roles in God’s story. 

I really like Peter because he was a brave person. Although he made plenty of mistakes, he was not afraid to try new things and follow Jesus. He was willing to lead even if people didn’t understand him. I think this is what Jesus noticed and why He picked Peter to lead the other apostles.

(Matthew 4:18, 10:2, 16:16-23, 17:1-9, Mark 3:16, 8:29-33, 9:1-8, Luke 9:19-36)   

Andrew: The First Follower

Andrew was the brother of Peter. But before he met Jesus, he was already seeking spiritual truth. He had been a disciple of John the Baptist, which shows his hunger for God even before encountering Christ. One day, John pointed at Jesus and declared, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Andrew and another disciple immediately started following Jesus. He was one of Jesus’ first followers. That’s why I picked the character just to the right of Jesus to represent Andrew.

Andrew wasted no time. He found his brother, Peter, and introduced him to Jesus. Imagine the excitement of following a great teacher! Both Andrew and Peter were fishermen, working together in their family business. They lived in a place called Bethsaida, and their family was tight-knit—they all shared a house, which even included Peter’s mother-in-law.

When Jesus called, Andrew and Peter left everything behind. They dropped their nets and followed Him. Andrew was part of some private discussions with Jesus, like when Jesus explained the end of the world. But he wasn’t as chatty as his brother Peter. After Jesus’ resurrection, Andrew was among those who received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

What I admire most about Andrew is that he took Jesus’ initial invitation seriously. Jesus had said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Andrew lived up to that promise. He was always bringing people to Jesus. 

Andrew’s story reminds us that we don’t need to be perfect to play a significant role in God’s plan. Sometimes, it’s the quiet ones who make the biggest waves. 

(Matthew 4:18; 10:2, Mark 1:16, 29; 3:18; 13:3, Luke 6:14; John 1:40, 44;  6:8-9; 12:22. Act 1:13-2:4)

James: The son of Zebedee

James was also one of the twelve Apostles, which means he was part of a group chosen by Jesus to help spread His teachings. I chose this figure in your painting because he seems to have a strong face. Like someone who is determined to be faithful to Jesus.

James had a brother named John. They were like two peas in a pod! They were both fishermen, just like their dad, Zebedee. One day, Jesus came along and said to James and John, “Follow me!” It was like an exciting adventure. Jesus wanted them to be fishers of men, which meant they would help bring people closer to God. James and John left their fishing nets behind and followed Jesus everywhere.

On one occasion Jesus healed a sick girl. She was the daughter of a man named Jarius. James watched in wonder as Jesus touched her and made her well. It was another miracle! 

James and John were known as the “Sons of Thunder.” Maybe they were called that because they were bold and full of energy! One time they asked Jesus if they could sit next to Him in His kingdom. The other disciples got a little upset because they thought it was very arrogant. Truth be told, they were probably mad because they didn’t ask first.

After Jesus rose from the dead, James saw Him! Can you imagine the joy? James became even bolder. He told everyone about Jesus, even when it was dangerous. Sadly, James was the first Apostle to die for his faith. But he knew that Jesus was worth it.

I like James because he was loyal to Jesus even when it cost him his life. He was committed to his teacher and friend Jesus. 

(Matthew 4:21, 10:2, 17:1, 20:20, 26:37; Mark 1:19-20, 3:17, 5:37, 9:2, 10:35, 41, 13:3, 14:33; Luke 5:10, 6:14, 8:51, 9:28, 54; John 21:2; Acts 1:13,12:2)

John: The Apostle of Love

John was the younger brother of James, another special friend of Jesus. He wrote some important books about Jesus, like the Gospel of John and a few letters called Epistles. John loved to talk about loving God and other people. Because of this, people started calling him the “Apostle of Love.”

I picked the character that stands right next to Jesus. His robe is white, covering his heart. It’s like he’s saying, “I love Jesus with all my heart!”

But how did John become so close to Jesus? Well, it all started when Jesus met John by the Sea of Galilee. John was a fisherman, and Jesus invited him to join His special group of followers. John, along with his brother James, became part of Jesus’ inner circle. They saw amazing things together, like healing miracles and even a special prayer in a garden.

John and James were sometimes called the “Sons of Thunder.” Why? Well, they were a bit like firecrackers—full of energy and passion! John had to learn from Jesus how to love people the way He did. Once, they wanted to bring down fire on a village that didn’t welcome Jesus. He corrected John and told him that He came to save people, not destroy them. Another time, they stopped people from casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus told him, “Don’t do that. If people use my name for good, they can’t be against me.” John made his share of mistakes but Jesus was patient with him and taught him how to love people better.

At a very sad moment, when Jesus was crucified (which means He was killed on a cross), John was there. He stood by Jesus’ side, along with some other women, including Mary, Jesus’ mother. Jesus trusted John so much that He asked him to take care of Mary. Even though Jesus had brothers, John was the one who looked after Jesus’ mom.

I like to remember John as the Apostle who learned to love from Jesus before he was called the Apostle of Love. His courage, love, and commitment to Jesus shine brightly in the pages of the Bible. So, whenever I look at your painting, I see John, and think about love, bravery, and a heart for God and people. 

(Matthew 27:56, Mark 1:19-20, 3:17, 5:37, 9:2; 14:33, John 13:23, 19:26-27, 20:2-8, 20, 21:7, 20, 24; 1 John 1:1-4; Revelation 1:1-2, 9)

Philip: The Friendly Apostle

 Philip was a special person chosen by Jesus to be one of His messengers. I picked the character who is standing at the end, looking friendly with his long hair and a beard like your dad’s.

Jesus walked a long way to find Philip. He already knew some other friends—John, Andrew, and Peter. But Jesus wanted Philip to be His friend too. When Jesus asked Philip to join Him, Philip said yes right away! He was great at making new friends.

Later, Jesus gave Philip and the other friends a special job. They had to go around helping people who were sick or scared. Their message was simple: “God loves you and His kingdom is here!” Philip saw Jesus do amazing things, like making blind people see and even bringing dead people back to life!

One day, there were lots of hungry people listening to Jesus. Jesus turned to Philip and asked, “Where can we get food for all these people?” Jesus already knew what He would do, but He wanted to see how Philip would respond. Philip said, “We don’t have enough money to buy food for everyone. Even if we did, it wouldn’t be enough.” But then Jesus did something incredible. He took a little bit of bread and fish and made it multiply until there was plenty for everyone to eat. He fed 5000 people with just a small amount of food!

As Jesus’ time on earth was ending, some Greek guys came to Philip. They wanted to talk to Jesus, but they weren’t Jewish, so they didn’t know if they could. Philip was kind and helpful. He took them to Jesus, connecting them with the amazing teachings of Jesus.

And that’s why we remember Philip as the friendly guy at the end of the picture—always ready to help and connect people with Jesus! 

(Matthew 10:1-3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:14, John 1:43-46, 48;  6:5, 7; 12:21-22)

Bartholomew: The Hungry Apostle

Bartholomew was one of Jesus’ special friends. His name means “son of a farmer.” I picked the character who looks like he’s wearing a brown robe, looking a bit like he has dirt on him from working in the fields. Maybe Bartholomew was a farmer, or maybe not—we’re not sure. But let’s explore some stories about him and the other friends of Jesus.

Once, Bartholomew and the others were very hungry. They walked through a field of wheat and picked some to eat. But some people who thought they knew everything about God got upset. They said to Jesus, “Your friends are breaking the rules! They’re not supposed to work on the day of rest!” Jesus stood up for his friends and said, “You don’t really understand God’s rules or how to love people.”

Another time, Bartholomew witnessed a miracle at a wedding. Jesus and his friends were at a party when they ran out of wine. Jesus’ mom asked for his help. At first, Jesus hesitated, but then he decided to do something amazing. He took eight big pots of water and turned them into wine. And guess what? It was the best wine ever! The person in charge of the party was so surprised that they told everyone how special the wine was.

Bartholomew was part of these incredible moments with Jesus. He learned about love, kindness, and miracles. Even though we don’t know much about him, we remember Bartholomew as a friend who walked, ate, and drank wine with Jesus. 

(Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:1-19, John 2:1-12, Acts 1:13)

Thomas: The Brave but Doubting Apostle

Thomas was a special friend of Jesus. He followed Jesus everywhere, like a loyal companion. Thomas had two remarkable qualities: he was very brave, and he loved asking questions. I chose the character that looks like he has a white patch over one eye. Maybe it was hard for him to see clearly. Sometimes he felt confident and strong, but other times he worried and wasn’t sure.

One day, Jesus wanted to visit His sick friend Lazarus. But the other friends warned Jesus that it was dangerous because some bad people wanted to hurt Him. Despite the risk, Jesus decided to help Lazarus. Thomas boldly said to the others, “Let’s go with Him. If we die, we die!” He wasn’t afraid at all.

Later, after Jesus died and miraculously came back to life, He appeared to His friends. But Thomas didn’t believe them. He insisted, “Unless I see the marks on His hands and touch them, I won’t believe.” Thomas needed proof. Then, one amazing day, Jesus stood before Thomas. He showed Thomas the scars where He was hurt. Thomas saw that Jesus was truly alive again. It was a moment of wonder and faith.

What’s great about Thomas is that he’s like many of us. Sometimes we’re brave and faithful, just like Thomas when he stood up for Jesus. Other times, we doubt and worry. But in the end, Jesus showed Thomas that He was real and that He loved him—even when he had questions. 

(Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, John 14:5, 20:24-28, 21:2)

Matthew: The Radically Changed Apostle 

Matthew was one of Jesus’ friends. He used to collect money from people for the bad guys who ruled the land. People did not like him because he took more money than he should. I picked this guy on the far right because he was the last person you would think Jesus would choose. He also had many friends who did bad things. But Jesus loved him and his friends just as much as the other disciples.

One day, Jesus asked Matthew to come with Him. Matthew said yes and left everything behind. He invited Jesus and his friends to his house for dinner. The religious leaders were mad at Jesus for this. They thought they were better than Matthew and his friends. They did not want to be around them. But Jesus told them that He came to help people who needed Him, not people who thought they were perfect. He said, “People who are well do not need a doctor, but people who are sick do; I did not come to invite good people, but bad people.” This reminds us that we should love everyone and tell them about Jesus.

I admire Matthew for his loyalty and for giving up his old life to follow Jesus. He was probably the richest and most comfortable of Jesus’ friends. But he was ready to give it all up for Jesus.

(Matthew 9:9-10, 10:3, Mark 2:14-17, 3:18, Luke 5:27-32, 6:15)

James: The son of Alphaeus

James was one of the twelve friends of Jesus who helped him spread God’s message of love. He was also called James the younger because he was younger than another James who was also Jesus’ friend. He was not the same as Jesus’ brother who also had the same name. I picked the friend who is next to the last one on the right. We don’t know a lot about him and the Bible only talks about him a few times. Sometimes it’s really about his mom who also loved Jesus. Since there is not much to say about him I will tell you some amazing things that he and the other friends saw.

The first thing was when Jesus walked on water. Jesus had just finished telling many people about God and it was getting dark. He told his friends to get in a boat and go to the other side of the lake. But Jesus stayed there to talk to God in his heart. Later that night the friends saw something scary on the water. They thought it was a ghost coming to their boat. But it was actually Jesus walking on the water. He told them not to be afraid and got in the boat with them. They were all so amazed!

Another thing was when a man with a very bad skin problem came to Jesus and asked him to make him better. The friends were all very scared because the skin problem could spread to anyone who touched the man. But do you know what Jesus did? He actually reached out and touched the man and made him better. Jesus was not scared and trusted that God could make him better.

I like James because he got to see some amazing miracles that Jesus did. Can you imagine hanging out with Jesus and seeing some of the things James did?!

(Matthew 10:3, 27:56, Mark 3:18, 15:40, 16:1, Luke 6:15, Acts 1:13)

Thaddaeus:  The Curious Apostle

Thaddaeus, also known as Judas (not the same as Judas Iscariot), was one of Jesus’ close followers and messengers. In your painting I chose this character because he has a unique way of standing next to Jesus—his head is slightly tilted, like he is curious about everything.

Now, let’s explore why Thaddaeus is interesting. When Jesus told stories called “parables,” Thaddaeus was always eager to learn. These parables were like mysterious messages, waiting to be understood. But not everyone got them right away.

Thaddaeus loved asking questions. And guess what? Jesus loved answering them! He said, “To you, my friends, I reveal the mysteries of God’s kingdom. But those who don’t ask questions get stories in riddles.”

So, every time Thaddaeus wondered, “Why did Jesus say that?” or “What does this mean?” Jesus patiently explained. Thaddaeus felt like he was unwrapping precious gifts.

After Jesus came back to life (yes, that’s a whole other adventure!), Thaddaeus and the other disciples had another question. They asked Jesus, “Are you going to make our land better now? Will You get rid of all our enemies?”

Jesus smiled and replied, “My dear friends, it’s not for you to know exactly when things will change. But listen carefully. You’ll receive a special power from God—the Holy Spirit. And you’ll become my messengers, spreading love and good news everywhere—from our hometown to faraway lands.”

So, Thaddaeus was always asking questions and being curious. He became a special messenger of Jesus with his heart full of love for God and people.

Remember, my granddaughter, asking questions is like an amazing key unlocking the best mysteries and secrets. Keep asking lots of questions but keep a simple faith. Maybe you’ll discover some of the secrets of the Kingdom of God too! 

(Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 1:10-12, 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; John 14:22, Acts 1:6-8, 13)

Simon the Zealot: The Apostle Who Loved His Enemies

Simon was also a special friend of Jesus and helped spread His teachings. But Simon didn’t agree with the way Jesus treated His enemies. I picked this character because it looks like his hair is sticking straight up like an angry cat. Let’s find out more about him!

Simon belonged to a group called the “Zealots.” They were like under-cover soldiers who fought for what they believed in. They had a strong faith in God and were very patriotic. These Zealots didn’t like the Romans, who ruled their land. They wanted their country to be free and peaceful. 

Simon used to be really angry at the Romans. He thought they were bad and wanted to get rid of them. But then something amazing happened. Jesus came into Simon’s life. Jesus taught everyone about love, kindness, forgiveness, and even love for their enemies. He said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who treat you badly.” This was a big deal because most people didn’t think that way.

One day, some religious leaders tried to trick Jesus. They asked Him, “Should we pay taxes to the Roman Emperor?” Jesus was clever. He asked for a coin and said, “Whose picture is on this coin?” They said, “It’s Caesar’s.” Jesus replied, “Give Caesar what belongs to him, and give God what belongs to God.” It was like saying, “Be a good citizen, but also remember to love God.” That had to blow Simon’s and everyone else in the crowd’s minds.

I like Simon because he listened to Jesus and changed his ways. Instead of hating the Romans, he started loving everyone. He even taught others to do the same. Simon’s devotion turned from anger to love. He became a hero in a different way. Simon the Zealot learned that love is stronger than hate.

(Matthew 5:43-44, 10:4, 22:20-21, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:1, Acts 1:13 )

 Judas Iscariot: The Apostle of Betrayal

Judas Iscariot is a name you might have heard before. He’s famous for something not-so-great: betraying Jesus. But let’s start from the beginning.

Jesus had a special group of followers called the Twelve Apostles. They were like his closest friends and helpers. Judas was one of them. Imagine being part of this special team, traveling with Jesus, and learning from him! Judas was a bit different from the others. He was probably more sophisticated (fancy word for “fancy”) and not from the same place as the rest. But here’s the thing: Judas was pretending. That’s why I chose this character. It looks like he’s wearing a mask. He acted like a good friend of Jesus, but deep down, he had other plans.

One day, Judas made a secret deal with some important religious leaders. He agreed to help them catch Jesus. Can you believe it? The person who followed Jesus, saw his miracles, and listened to his teachings was now going to betray him! The religious leaders gave Judas 30 pieces of silver (that’s like getting paid for doing something bad). Imagine having a bag of shiny coins, but they felt heavy with guilt. Judas led the leaders to Jesus. And how did he do it? With a kiss! Imagine your friend coming up to you and giving you a friendly kiss, but secretly planning something hurtful. That’s what Judas did.

Even when Judas betrayed him, Jesus didn’t get angry. He called Judas “friend.” Jesus loved everyone, even those who hurt him. He showed us how to love our enemies, just like he taught. After the betrayal, Judas felt terrible. He tried to give back the silver coins, but it was too late. He couldn’t undo what he had done. Judas’ story reminds us that actions have consequences. It’s important that we stay true to God, our family, and our friends. And even when someone we think is our friend betrays us, we should follow Jesus’ example of kindness and forgiveness. 

(Matthew 10:4, 26:14-16, 47-50, Mark 3:19, 14:10-11, 45, Luke 22:3, 47-48, John 6:71)

Jesus Christ: The Son of God

I’ve saved the best for last, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. I chose the character in the middle. He is not only at the center but He appears to be in front of His followers. He is also called the Son of God because God sent Him to earth with a special mission. Let’s explore His story!

God loved us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to Earth. Jesus was born in a miraculous way. And just like you, Jesus grew up as a child, playing and learning.

When Jesus turned 30 years old, He left His job as a carpenter and began traveling through places around Galilee and Judea. His message was exciting: God’s kingdom is near! People were curious. Was Jesus a king? But Jesus was different—he healed the sick, showed kindness, and taught important lessons.

Long before Jesus arrived, God had told special messengers called prophets that a Messiah (a chosen One) would come to save His people. People thought the Messiah would fight against their enemies, the Romans. But Jesus surprised everyone. He said He came to save them from God’s judgment for the wrong things they had done.

Jesus had a group of close friends called the Twelve Apostles. They learned from Him and helped spread the good news about God’s love. These are the men you and mom painted in this wonderful painting.

Sadly, some religious leaders and the Romans didn’t like Jesus’ message. They arrested Him and hung Him on a cross. But here’s the amazing part: God knew this would happen. He wanted Jesus to take the punishment for all our wrongs. Jesus died on that cross to pay the price for our mistakes so we wouldn’t have to. But He didn’t stay dead! In three days He rose from the dead and proved He is King over all creation.

The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” This means that if we believe in Jesus and follow Him, we can have eternal life with God.

I love Jesus so much because He took on the punishment I deserved and is a great example for how to live life. I’ve been His follower for over 40 years and although it hasn’t been easy, it has been extremely rewarding. I love telling others about Him.

And that is the story of Jesus and His Twelve Apostles that you and your mom painted. Thank you so much for helping to create this. It hangs in my office so I can look at it everyday. This is to remind Nana and I that we are God’s special messengers of Jesus and His love. I hope one day you will become one too.

(Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, Micah 5:2, Matthew 1:18-25, 4:23, 9:35, 21:5, 23:3-4, Mark 6:3, 15:1-47, Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-20, 40, 3:23, 24:1-12,  John 3:16, 12:15, Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, Revelation 17:14, 19:16)

The Bridge is Out! – #63

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be discussing the Gospel of Matthew to discover how Jesus loved people so much, He was willing to warn them of coming judgment.  

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

The Gospel – Matthew 11:20–30

Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” 

At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight. All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

My Thoughts 

Inclusivism is the religion of the day. We are so careful not to offend people that anything goes. Political correctness has graduated to the level of the absurd and the macabre. We have to be careful not to call a “he” a “him” and a “she” a “her.” We think it’s ok for a child to have the right to have body parts removed but the unborn have no rights at all.  Our culture, who long ago rejected the true Creator for materialism, has now even kicked “Mother Nature” to the curb. Our appetite for sex not only defies God, it defies our very biological design. We are in a tailspin of ridiculous thinking that we can do as we please and have no immediate or even eternal consequences. And even some in the “evangelical community” are embracing this craziness. We are so afraid to marginalize or disenfranchise someone, we bless them with a “ticket to heaven” because “God loves everyone.” So everyone gets a trophy, everyone gets to “do you” except anyone who stands up and drops the “God card” that requires any semblance of Divine accountability. Why? Because it’s considered “unloving” to tell someone the truth about their sin and their coming judgment.

But who was the most loving person to ever live? Who desires everyone to join the party and will celebrate every single member added to the family. You guessed it, JESUS! And yet He did not fear the fall out of telling people the truth. He flat out told people they were headed to hell on a fast moving freight train if they didn’t repent. And He did it out of love! He was warning people that not only was God a God of love but He is equally a God of justice. He can not allow unrepented souls in His presence. Jesus (God in the flesh) gave people an ample heads up that there would be eternal consequences. He first came as the Lamb but there is a day of judgment when we will meet the Lion. 

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead… (2 Timothy 4:1)

In light of our observation about the way Jesus shared the gospel, can we afford not to warn people? I like to make this comparison. The bridge over the river has collapsed and you are driving at 60mph. You are unaware that there is no longer a bridge and you encounter two men on the side of the road. The first gives you a casual wave and would warn you if you stopped to ask questions. But because he doesn’t want to inconvenience or offend you, he doesn’t make much of an effort to flag you down. On the other hand, the second man is frantically waving his arms in the air and is almost in the middle of the road trying to get you to stop and warn you the bridge is out. Which one is more loving? 

So let’s train people to share the gospel more like Jesus. Let’s help them see that giving people a warning that the “bridge is out” is actually the most loving thing to do.

My Story

Full disclosure. I struggle with telling people why they need to repent. I struggle with telling people that there is a judgment day coming. I struggle with telling a person that Hell is a very real place for very real people. I’d rather be a nice guy and not ruffle any feathers. But more than anything else, I want to become more like my King, Jesus. So as I was writing this, I decided that when I share the gospel this week, I was going to talk about Hell.

So today in the Fort Sam food court I talked to two young Army medics and included the judgment of Hell in my gospel presentation. I made it clear that Jesus said; “I’m the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6). One of the guys said he believed in Hell and that Jesus was the only way to avoid it. The other guy squirmed and couldn’t get out of the discussion fast enough. We were both uncomfortable but it brings to mind two sobering thoughts. First, I’m sure the cross was pretty uncomfortable for Jesus when He died on my behalf. And secondly, I’m sure Hell is going to be much more uncomfortable for my unbelieving friend. I was willing to get out of my “comfort zone” in order to love people like Jesus does. 

Our Action Plan

Now it’s time for application. Here’s some ideas.

  • Assessment: Is judgment and Hell a part of your gospel presentation?
  • Do a Bible study on how Jesus shared the gospel.
  • Train others to share the gospel the way Jesus did.

If we truly want to love people, we need to give them the bad news along with the good news.

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

¡El Puente Está Cerrado! – #63

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, hablaremos del Evangelio de Mateo para descubrir cómo Jesús amaba tanto a las personas que estaba dispuesto a advertirles del juicio venidero.

Así que comencemos

Mateo 11:20–30

Entonces Jesús comenzó a denunciar a las ciudades en las que se habían realizado la mayoría de sus milagros, porque no se arrepentían. “¡Ay de ti, Corazín! ¡Ay de ti, Betsaida! Porque si los milagros que se hicieron en vosotros se hubieran hecho en Tiro y en Sidón, se habrían arrepentido hace mucho tiempo con cilicio y ceniza. Pero yo os digo que el día del juicio será más llevadero para Tiro y Sidón que para vosotros. Y tú, Cafarnaúm, ¿serás elevada al cielo? ¡No, serás llevado al Hades! Porque si los milagros que se hicieron en ti se hubieran hecho en Sodoma, habría permanecido hasta el día de hoy. Pero yo les digo que será más llevadero para Sodoma en el día del juicio que para ustedes”.

En ese momento, Jesús declaró: “Te alabo, Padre, Señor del cielo y de la tierra, porque has ocultado estas cosas a los sabios y entendidos, y las has revelado a los niños. Sí, Padre, porque esto era agradable a Tus ojos. Todas las cosas me han sido confiadas por Mi Padre. Nadie conoce al Hijo sino el Padre, y nadie conoce al Padre sino el Hijo y aquellos a quienes el Hijo decide revelárselo. Venid a Mí todos los que estáis cansados y agobiados, y os haré descansar. Toma Mi yugo sobre ti y aprende de Mí. porque soy manso y humilde de corazón, y hallaréis descanso para vuestras almas. Porque Mi yugo es fácil y ligera Mi carga”.

Mis Pensamientos

El inclusivismo es la religión del día. Tenemos tanto cuidado de no ofender a la gente que todo vale. La corrección política se ha graduado al nivel de lo absurdo y lo macabro. Tenemos que tener cuidado de no llamar a un “él” un “él” y a un “ella” un “ella”. Creemos que está bien que un niño tenga derecho a que le extirpen partes del cuerpo, pero el que no ha nacido no tiene ningún derecho.  Nuestra cultura, que hace mucho tiempo rechazó al verdadero Creador por el materialismo, ahora incluso ha pateado a la “Madre Naturaleza” a la acera. Nuestro apetito por el sexo no solo desafía a Dios, sino que desafía nuestro propio diseño biológico. Estamos en una espiral de pensamiento ridículo de que podemos hacer lo que nos plazca y no tener consecuencias inmediatas o incluso eternas. E incluso algunos en la “comunidad evangélica” están abrazando esta locura. Tenemos tanto miedo de marginar o privar a alguien de sus derechos, que lo bendecimos con un “boleto al cielo” porque “Dios ama a todos”. Así que todos reciben un trofeo, todos pueden “hacer lo que quieras” excepto cualquiera que se levante y deje caer la “carta de Dios” la cual requiere cualquier apariencia de responsabilidad Divina. ¿Por qué? Porque hoy día se considera “falta de amor” decirle a alguien la verdad sobre su pecado y su juicio venidero.

Pero, ¿quién fue la persona más amorosa que ha existido? Que desea que todos se unan a la fiesta y celebren a cada miembro agregado a la familia. ¡Lo has adivinado, JESÚS! Y, sin embargo, no temía a la consecuencia de decirle a la gente la verdad. Le dijo rotundamente a la gente que se dirigían al infierno como en un tren de carga moviéndose a gran velocidad si no se arrepentían. ¡Y lo hizo por amor! Él estaba advirtiendo a la gente que Dios no solo era un Dios de amor, sino que también es un Dios de justicia. Él no puede permitir que almas no arrepentidas estén en Su presencia. Jesús (Dios en la carne) le dio a la gente un amplio aviso de que habría consecuencias eternas. Él vino primero como el Cordero, pero hay un día de juicio cuando nos encontraremos con el León.

Te encarezco delante de Dios y del Señor Jesucristo, que juzgará a los vivos y a los muertos en su manifestación y en su reino. (2 Timoteo 4:1)

A la luz de nuestra observación sobre la forma en que Jesús compartió el Evangelio, ¿podemos darnos el lujo de no advertir a la gente? Me gusta hacer esta comparación. El puente sobre el río se ha derrumbado y usted conduce a 60 mph. No te das cuenta de que el puente ya no está y te encuentras con dos hombres al costado de la carretera. El primero te da un saludo casual y te avisa si te detienes a hacer preguntas. Pero debido a que no quiere incomodarte u ofenderte, no hace mucho esfuerzo por hacerte señas para que te detengas. Por otro lado, el segundo hombre agita frenéticamente los brazos en el aire y está casi en medio de la carretera tratando de que te detengas y te advierta que el puente se ha derrumbado. ¿Cuál es más amoroso?

Así que entrenemos a las personas para que compartan el Evangelio más como Jesús. Ayudémosles a ver que advertir a la gente de que “el puente está cerrado” es en realidad lo más amoroso que se puede hacer.

Mi Historia

Divulgación completa. Me cuesta decirle a la gente por qué necesita arrepentirse. Me cuesta decirle a la gente que se acerca el día del juicio. Me cuesta decirle a una persona que el infierno es un lugar muy real para personas muy reales. Prefiero ser un buen tipo y no alborotar las plumas. Pero más que cualquier otra cosa, quiero llegar a ser más como mi Rey, Jesús. Así que mientras escribía esto, decidí que cuando compartiera el Evangelio esta semana, iba a hablar sobre el infierno.

Así que hoy, en el patio de comidas de Fort Sam, hablé con dos jóvenes médicos del ejército e incluí el juicio del infierno en mi presentación del evangelio. Dejé claro que Jesús dijo; “Yo soy el camino, la verdad y la vida. Nadie viene al Padre sino por mí”. (Juan 14:6). Uno de los chicos dijo que creía en el infierno y que Jesús era la única manera de evitarlo. El otro chico se retorció y no pudo salir de la discusión lo suficientemente rápido. Los dos estábamos incómodos, pero esto trajo a mi mente dos pensamientos aleccionadores. Primero, estoy seguro de que la cruz fue bastante incómoda para Jesús cuando murió por mí. Y en segundo lugar, estoy seguro de que el infierno va a ser mucho más incómodo para mi amigo incrédulo. Estuve dispuesto a salir de mi “zona de comodidad” para amar a las personas como lo hace Jesús.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora es el momento de la aplicación. Aquí tienes algunas ideas.

–          Evaluación: ¿El juicio y el infierno son parte de tu presentación del Evangelio?

–          Haz un estudio bíblico sobre cómo Jesús compartió el Evangelio.

–          Entrena a otros para compartir el Evangelio de la manera que Jesús lo hizo.

Si realmente queremos amar a las personas, tenemos que darles las malas noticias junto con las buenas.

Dazed and Confused – #62

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be combining the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to see how Jesus handled John the Baptist’s doubts. 

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

Matthew 11:2–19, Luke 7:18–35

Meanwhile John’s disciples informed him in prison about all the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples. So John called two of his disciples and sent them to ask the Lord, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?’” At that very hour Jesus healed many people of their diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and He gave sight to many who were blind.

Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.”

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subject to violence, and the violent lay claim to it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. He who has ears, let him hear.

All the people who heard this, even the tax collectors, acknowledged God’s justice. For they had received the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.

Then Jesus said, “To what can I compare the men of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to one another: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep and mourn.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions and all her children.”

My Thoughts 

Deb and I talk about this passage all the time. It kind of sticks out to us as a prime example of human frailty. Here the great John the Baptist, and I truly mean great, is asking questions about Jesus’ identity. “Are you really the Messiah or not?” But wait a minute! Is this the same John the Baptist that so confidently heralded Jesus into His ministry? Did we hear him say;

“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water.” John testified saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:30-34)

That sounds pretty confident to me! John had pinned the rose squarely on Jesus as being the Messiah. But what happened to all that conviction? Now when John was in prison the doubts started to creep in. Perhaps John had expectations of the Messiah’s mission that had gone unfulfilled. Maybe John had expectations of God that weren’t being met. If I had to guess, I would say this is exactly what is causing John to question Jesus’ Messiahship. 

We’ve all heard of the “Divine Appointment” but have you ever heard of the “Divine Disappointment?” Even if you haven’t, I bet ten dollars and a doughnut you’ve experienced it! It’s when you have put your confidence in God and start to develop expectations that don’t align with His will and WHAM! You’re in a prison cell wondering what happened. You may say something like, “Wait a minute God. I’ve been reading Your Bible, and had believed you would do X, Y, and Z! What happened? Are You really there?” I think we’ve all been there. And we have to believe that all the major Bible characters from Abraham to the Apostle Paul had to go through a similar crisis of faith. 

So how does Jesus handle John’s question? He answers the inquiry about His Messiahship by pointing to the evidence. People are being healed, demons are being cast out, the dead are raised, the gospel is preached. These were the true indicators of Jesus’ Messiahship in fulfillment of the Scriptures. It was not bringing heaven to earth (yet). It was not to overthrow the Roman occupation. It was not breaking John out of jail. It was not all the things the Children of Israel and even us today, add to the laundry list of things we think the Christ ought to do for us. No, Jesus was doing exactly what the Father had willed Him to do before the foundation of the world. 

But we also have to notice that Jesus didn’t berate John for his question or maybe even a lack of faith. He answers another question; “What does God think about our hard questions when we’re going through tough times?” Jesus affirms John as a person and his ministry. He recognizes before others that even though John is going through a rough patch right now, he is the greatest of the prophets under the Old Covenant. Jesus praises John publicly! He doesn’t throw him under the bus.

I think, if we’ve been walking with Jesus for more than a day, we can relate to John’s circumstances. But how is it possible to swing so wildly in our convictions? One sure fire way to experience doubts in our faith is through suffering and persecution. These two things can wear us down over time and we start to wonder if God somehow missed the reality of our miserable circumstances. I think John’s imprisonment played a huge role in his doubts. It’s like he got a spiritual knock in the head and now he’s dazed and confused. 

My Story

Recently Deb and I attended a healing service. Most of you know about the debilitating disease I’ve struggled with for years. But what you may not know is that Deb has been battling chronic laryngitis for months. She had a tumultuous procedure done by the doctors and was told it may only be a temporary fix. Sure enough, after a few weeks, Deb started to lose her voice again. So when we were invited to a healing service, we enthusiastically accepted the invitation.

So in faith and with a bit of humility we got to the church building early, anticipating that we would donate my walker to the congregation and Deb would be able to sing like a robin. Nope. We walked out in the same physical condition we entered. Were we mad at God or the person who performed the healing service? No. Were we angry at the kind lady who invited us? No. (In fact, afterward, we thanked her profusely.) Were we angry with ourselves for, yet again, having hope that God would perform a miracle that we could all praise Him for? No. Were we disappointed? Were there questions? To be honest, yes. We fully expected to be healed as we have been commanded to believe by the Lord Himself. And yet it didn’t happen. 

So how did Deb and I navigate these tricky shoals? We have learned how to keep a strong faith and manage our expectations in alignment with God’s will and sovereignty. We’ve also memorized several verses on the subject of God’s will and plan for our lives. His Word has become the anchor in stormy times when we are blown this way and that. It’s ok to be disappointed that God didn’t heal us. But I’m not going to shake my fist at Him, accuse Him of not loving us, and leave the faith. Nope. I’m thanking Him for His choice to do in and through our lives what He chooses to bring Him most glory. Besides, people who shake their fist at God should probably be outfitted with a full Kevlar suit and underwear. 

You know Jesus modeled this for us in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed;

“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39)

So let’s admit we are disappointed but keep a strong faith and manage our expectations in accordance with His will.

Our Action Plan

How do we help disciples prepare for the Divine Disappointments which are bound to come? Here’s some ideas;

  • Do a topical Bible study with them on suffering and persecution
  • Be open and honest with those you are discipling with your own disappointments
  • When people are struggling with disappointment, comfort and take them back to the Word

It’s hard to maintain perspective in the midst of the storm. Prepare the disciples of Jesus well in advance for suffering with the rock solid assurance of God’s Word.

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

Aturdido y Confundido

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, combinaremos los Evangelios de Mateo y Lucas para ver cómo Jesús manejó las dudas de Juan el Bautista.

Así que comencemos

Mateo 11:2-19, Lucas 7:18-35

Mientras tanto, los discípulos de Juan le informaron en la cárcel de todas las obras de Cristo. Entonces Juan llamó a dos de sus discípulos y los envió a preguntar al Señor: «¿Eres tú el que había de venir, o debemos buscar a otro?» Cuando los hombres se acercaron a Jesús, dijeron: “Juan el Bautista nos envió a preguntar: ‘¿Eres tú el que había de venir, o debemos buscar a otro?'” En esa misma hora, Jesús sanó a muchas personas de sus enfermedades, aflicciones y espíritus malignos, y dio la vista a muchos que estaban ciegos.

Jesús le respondió: “Vuelve y di a Juan lo que oyes y ves: Los ciegos ven, los cojos andan, los leprosos quedan limpios, los sordos oyen, los muertos resucitan y a los pobres se les anuncia el Evangelio. Bienaventurado el que no se aparta por causa de mí”.

Cuando los discípulos de Juan se iban, Jesús comenzó a hablar a las multitudes acerca de Juan: “¿Qué salieron a ver al desierto? ¿Una caña mecida por el viento? De lo contrario, ¿qué saliste a ver? ¿Un hombre vestido con ropas finas? Mira, los que visten ropa elegante y viven en el lujo se encuentran en los palacios. ¿Qué, pues, saliste a ver? ¿Un profeta? Sí, os lo digo, y más que un profeta. Éste es aquel de quien está escrito: ‘He aquí, yo enviaré a mi mensajero delante de ti, el cual preparará tu camino delante de ti’. En verdad os digo que entre los nacidos de mujer no se ha levantado nadie mayor que Juan el Bautista. Sin embargo, aun el más pequeño en el reino de Dios es mayor que él. Desde los días de Juan el Bautista hasta ahora, el reino de los cielos ha estado sujeto a la violencia, y los violentos lo reclaman. Porque todos los Profetas y la Ley profetizaron hasta Juan. Y si estás dispuesto a aceptarlo, él es el Elías que había de venir. El que tenga oídos, que oiga.

Todo el pueblo que oyó esto, incluso los recaudadores de impuestos, reconoció la justicia de Dios. Porque habían recibido el bautismo de Juan. Pero los fariseos y los expertos en la ley rechazaron el propósito de Dios para sí mismos, porque no habían sido bautizados por Juan.

Entonces Jesús dijo: “¿Con qué puedo comparar a los hombres de esta generación? ¿Cómo son? Son como niños sentados en la plaza y se gritan unos a otros: ‘Tocamos la flauta para ti, y no bailaste; Cantamos un canto fúnebre, y tú no lloraste ni te lamentaste. Porque Juan el Bautista no vino ni comiendo pan ni bebiendo vino, y vosotros decís: “Tiene un demonio”. El Hijo del Hombre vino comiendo y bebiendo, y dijeron: ‘¡Mira a este glotón y borracho, amigo de publicanos y pecadores!’ Pero la sabiduría se demuestra justa por sus obras”.

Mis Pensamientos

Deb y yo hablamos de este pasaje todo el tiempo. De alguna manera se nos presenta como un excelente ejemplo de la fragilidad humana. Aquí el gran Juan el Bautista, y realmente quiero decir grande, está haciendo preguntas sobre la identidad de Jesús. “¿Eres realmente el Mesías o no?” ¡Pero espera un minuto! ¿Es este el mismo Juan el Bautista que con tanta confianza anunció a Jesús en su ministerio? ¿Le oímos decir;

“Este es aquel de quien yo dije: Después de mí viene un varón, el cual es antes de mí; porque era primero que yo. Y yo no le conocía; mas para que fuese manifestado a Israel, por esto vine yo bautizando con agua.  También dio Juan testimonio, diciendo: Vi al Espíritu que descendía del cielo como paloma, y permaneció sobre él  Y yo no le conocía; pero el que me envió a bautizar con agua, aquel me dijo: Sobre quien veas descender el Espíritu y que permanece sobre él, ese es el que bautiza con el Espíritu Santo.  Y yo le vi, y he dado testimonio de que este es el Hijo de Dios.” (John 1:30-34)

¡Eso me parece bastante seguro! Juan había puesto la rosa directamente sobre Jesús como el Mesías. Pero, ¿qué pasó con toda esa convicción? Ahora, cuando Juan estaba en prisión, las dudas comenzaron a aparecer. Tal vez Juan tenía expectativas de la misión del Mesías que no se habían cumplido. Tal vez Juan tenía expectativas de Dios que no se estaban cumpliendo. Si tuviera que adivinar, diría que esto es exactamente lo que está causando que Juan cuestione el mesianismo de Jesús.

Todos hemos oído hablar de la “Divina Cita”, pero ¿alguna vez has oído hablar de la “Divina Decepción”? Incluso si no lo has hecho, ¡apuesto diez dólares y una rosquilla a que lo has experimentado! Es cuando has puesto tu confianza en Dios y comienzas a desarrollar expectativas que no se alinean con Su voluntad y ¡WHAM! Estás en una celda de prisión preguntándote qué pasó. Puedes decir algo como: “Espera un momento, Dios. ¡He estado leyendo Tu Biblia y había creído que harías X, Y y Z! ¿¿Qué pasó? ¿De verdad estás ahí? Creo que a todos nos ha pasado. Y tenemos que creer que todos los personajes principales de la Biblia, desde Abraham hasta el apóstol Pablo, tuvieron que pasar por una crisis de fe similar.

Entonces, ¿cómo maneja Jesús la pregunta de Juan? Él responde a la pregunta acerca de Su mesianismo señalando la evidencia. Las personas están siendo sanadas, los demonios están siendo expulsados, los muertos son resucitados, el evangelio es predicado. Estos eran los verdaderos indicadores del mesianismo de Jesús en cumplimiento de las Escrituras. No traía el cielo a la tierra (todavía). No se trataba de derrocar la ocupación romana. No se trataba de sacar a John de la cárcel. No fueron todas las cosas que los Hijos de Israel, e incluso nosotros hoy, añadimos a la larga lista de cosas que pensamos que Cristo debería hacer por nosotros. No, Jesús estaba haciendo exactamente lo que el Padre había querido que hiciera antes de la fundación del mundo.

Pero también tenemos que notar que Jesús no reprendió a Juan por su pregunta o tal vez incluso por su falta de fe. Responde a otra pregunta; “¿Qué piensa Dios acerca de nuestras preguntas difíciles cuando estamos pasando por tiempos difíciles?” Jesús afirma a Juan como persona y como su ministerio. Él reconoce ante los demás que a pesar de que Juan está pasando por una mala racha en este momento, él es el más grande de los profetas bajo el Antiguo Pacto. ¡Jesús alaba a Juan públicamente! No lo tira debajo del autobús.

Creo que, si hemos estado caminando con Jesús por más de un día, podemos relacionarnos con las circunstancias de Juan. Pero, ¿cómo es posible oscilar tan salvajemente en nuestras convicciones? Una forma segura de experimentar dudas en nuestra fe es a través del sufrimiento y la persecución. Estas dos cosas pueden desgastarnos con el tiempo y comenzamos a preguntarnos si Dios de alguna manera pasó por alto la realidad de nuestras miserables circunstancias. Creo que el encarcelamiento de John jugó un papel muy importante en sus dudas. Es como si hubiera recibido un golpe espiritual en la cabeza y ahora está aturdido y confundido.

Mi Historia

Recientemente, Deb y yo asistimos a un servicio de sanación. La mayoría de ustedes conocen la enfermedad debilitante con la que he luchado durante años. Pero lo que quizás no sepas es que Deb ha estado luchando contra la laringitis crónica durante meses. Los médicos le hicieron un procedimiento tumultuoso y le dijeron que podría ser solo una solución temporal. Efectivamente, después de unas semanas, Deb comenzó a perder la voz nuevamente. Así que cuando nos invitaron a un servicio de sanación, aceptamos con entusiasmo la invitación.

Así que con fe y con un poco de humildad llegamos temprano al edificio de la iglesia, anticipando que donaríamos mi andador a la congregación y Deb podría cantar como un petirrojo. No. Salimos en las mismas condiciones físicas en las que entramos. ¿Estábamos enojados con Dios o con la persona que realizó el servicio de sanidad? No. ¿Estábamos enojados con la amable señora que nos invitó? No. (De hecho, después, le agradecimos profusamente). ¿Estábamos enojados con nosotros mismos por, una vez más, tener esperanza de que Dios realizaría un milagro por el que todos podríamos alabarlo? No. ¿Nos decepcionó? ¿Hubo preguntas? Para ser honesto, sí. Esperábamos plenamente ser sanados como el Señor mismo nos ha ordenado creer. Y, sin embargo, no sucedió.

Entonces, ¿cómo navegamos Deb y yo por estos complicados bajíos? Hemos aprendido a mantener una fe fuerte y a manejar nuestras expectativas de acuerdo con la voluntad y la soberanía de Dios. También hemos memorizado varios versículos sobre el tema de la voluntad y el plan de Dios para nuestras vidas. Su Palabra se ha convertido en el ancla en tiempos tormentosos cuando somos soplados de una manera y de otra. Está bien estar decepcionado de que Dios no nos haya sanado. Pero no voy a agitar mi puño contra Él, acusarlo de no amarnos y dejar la fe. No. Le agradezco por Su decisión de hacer en y a través de nuestras vidas lo que Él escoge para darle la mayor gloria. Además, las personas que agitan su puño a Dios probablemente deberían estar equipadas con un traje completo de Kevlar y ropa interior. 

Usted sabe que Jesús modeló esto para nosotros en el Huerto de Getsemaní cuando oró;

“Padre mío, si es posible, pase de mí esta copa; pero no sea como yo quiero, sino como tú.” (Mateo 26:39)

Así que admitamos que estamos decepcionados, pero mantengamos una fe fuerte y manejemos nuestras expectativas de acuerdo con Su voluntad.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

¿Cómo ayudamos a los discípulos a prepararse para las Decepciones Divinas que están por venir? Aquí hay algunas ideas;

–       Haga un estudio bíblico temático con los que discípulas sobre el sufrimiento y la persecución

–       Sé abierto y honesto con aquellos a quienes estás discipulando con tus propias decepciones

–       Cuando las personas están luchando con la decepción, consuélalos y llévalos de regreso a la  Palabra

 Es difícil mantener la perspectiva en medio de la tormenta. Prepare a los discípulos de Jesús con mucha anticipación para el sufrimiento con la sólida seguridad de la Palabra.

Show Them How to Love – #61

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be studying the Gospel of Luke to observe how Jesus modeled compassion.  

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

The Gospel – Luke 7:11–17

Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain. His disciples went with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. As He approached the town gate, He saw a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.” Then He went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. And He said,“Young man, I tell you, get up!” And the dead man sat up and began to speak! Then Jesus gave him back to his mother. A sense of awe swept over all of them, and they glorified God. “A great prophet has appeared among us!” they said. “God has visited His people!” And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding region.

My Thoughts 

Compassion was Jesus’ middle name. His radar was always up to serve those in need. So what does He see in this case? A dead man. He was the only son of a widow. Now she was all alone. That would tug at most people’s hearts but would it be enough to stop a funeral procession and raise someone from the dead? Yes, if you had the kind of faith and compassion Jesus had.

But there was another driving force that caused Him to do such things. Notice who witnessed this great act of love;

His disciples went with Him (Luke 7:11)

He wanted His disciples to be just like Him. These guys following Him around were getting instruction. They were seeing Love 101.  Eventually they would be filled with the same compassion and have the faith to raise the dead. Jesus was modeling what it looked like, not only how to take care of people, but how to make the next generation of compassionate disciple-makers. He was teaching them to be bold instruments of love.

As we go about our day to day business are we not only being compassionate to those in need but are we modeling this for those we are discipling? It would be good to show people how to love people in very bold ways and multiply our acts of kindness. Now that puts a whole different spin on this verse; 

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

My Story

Not too long ago we had a very influential pastor pass away leaving a widow and some young children. Deb and I wanted to do something for the widow but remain anonymous. So we tucked a good amount of money in an envelope and asked one of the gals in our church to deliver it. She was instructed not to reveal the givers of the gift. The widowed opened the envelope in front of the gal, both being curious to what it contained. They were both overwhelmed by the compassion and generosity.

We accomplished two things that day. First we practiced bold compassion and second, we modeled that compassion by making the disciple the messenger. 

Our Action Plan

Now we’ll look at some ideas on how to help us be more compassionate and model it for the people we are discipling.

  • Practice having your radar up for people who are in need
  • Make sure you’re doing this when those you are mentoring are with you
  • Intentionally take bold steps to help someone 

Jesus wants us to be conformed to His image in every way. We should be growing in compassion and our abilities to not just talk about loving others but showing them how to do it.

Muéstrales Cómo Amar – #61

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, estudiaremos el Evangelio de Lucas para observar cómo Jesús modeló la compasión.

Así que comencemos

Lucas 7:11–17

Aconteció después, que él iba a la ciudad que se llama Naín, e iban con él muchos de sus discípulos, y una gran multitud.  Cuando llegó cerca de la puerta de la ciudad, he aquí que llevaban a enterrar a un difunto, hijo único de su madre, la cual era viuda; y había con ella mucha gente de la ciudad. Y cuando el Señor la vio, se compadeció de ella, y le dijo: No llores. Y acercándose, tocó el féretro; y los que lo llevaban se detuvieron. Y dijo: Joven, a ti te digo, levántate. Entonces se incorporó el que había muerto, y comenzó a hablar. Y lo dio a su madre. Y todos tuvieron miedo, y glorificaban a Dios, diciendo: Un gran profeta se ha levantado entre nosotros; y: Dios ha visitado a su pueblo.  Y se extendió la fama de él por toda Judea, y por toda la región de alrededor.

Mis Pensamientos

La compasión era el segundo nombre de Jesús. Su radar siempre estuvo al servicio de los necesitados. Entonces, ¿qué ve Él en este caso? Un hombre muerto. Era el único hijo de una viuda. Ahora estaba completamente sola. Eso tiraría del corazón de la mayoría de las personas, pero ¿sería suficiente para detener una procesión fúnebre y resucitar a alguien de entre los muertos? Sí, si tuvieras el tipo de fe y compasión que Jesús tuvo.

Pero había otra fuerza impulsora que lo llevó a hacer tales cosas. Fíjate en quién presenció este gran acto de amor;

Sus discípulos fueron con él (Lucas 7:11)

Quería que sus discípulos fueran como Él. Estos hombres que lo seguían a todas partes estaban recibiendo instrucción. Estaban viendo Amor 101.  Con el tiempo, estarían llenos de la misma compasión y tendrían la fe para resucitar a los muertos. Jesús estaba modelando cómo se veía, no solo cómo cuidar a las personas, sino cómo hacer la próxima generación de hacedores de discípulos compasivos. Les estaba enseñando a ser audaces instrumentos de amor.

A medida que avanzamos en nuestros asuntos diarios, ¿no solo estamos siendo compasivos con los necesitados, sino que estamos modelando esto para aquellos a quienes estamos discipulando? Sería bueno mostrarle a la gente cómo amar a la gente de maneras muy audaces y multiplicar nuestros actos de bondad. Ahora, eso le da un giro completamente diferente a este versículo;

“Así alumbre vuestra luz delante de los hombres, para que vean vuestras buenas obras, y glorifiquen a vuestro Padre que está en los cielos.”. (Mateo 5:16)

Mi Historia

No hace mucho tiempo, un pastor muy influyente falleció, dejando una viuda y algunos hijos pequeños. Deb y yo queríamos hacer algo por la viuda, pero permanecer en el anonimato. Así que metimos una buena cantidad de dinero en un sobre y le pedimos a una de las chicas de nuestra iglesia que se lo entregara. Se le instruyó que no revelara a los dadores del regalo. La viuda abrió el sobre delante de la chica, sintiendo curiosidad por lo que contenía. Ambos se sintieron abrumadas por la compasión y la generosidad.

Logramos dos cosas ese día. Primero practicamos la compasión audaz y segundo, modelamos esa compasión haciendo del discípulo el mensajero.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora veremos algunas ideas sobre cómo ayudarnos a ser más compasivos y modelarlo para las personas a las que estamos discipulando.

  • Practica tener tu radar abierto para las personas que lo necesitan
  • Asegúrate de hacer esto cuando las personas a las que estás asesorando estén  V   contigo
  • Tomar medidas audaces intencionalmente para ayudar a alguien 

Jesús quiere que seamos conformados a su imagen en todos los sentidos. Deberíamos crecer en compasión y en nuestras habilidades no solo para hablar de amar a los demás, sino para mostrarles cómo hacerlo.

Soldier-like Faith – #60

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be combining the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to see what kind of faith impresses Jesus. 

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

Matthew 8:1, 5–13, Luke 7:1–10

When Jesus concluded His discourse in the hearing of the people, He came down from the mountain, and large crowds followed Him. He went to Capernaum. There a highly valued servant of a centurion was sick and about to die. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask Him to come and heal his servant. [1]  They came to Jesus and pleaded with Him earnestly, “This man is worthy to have You grant this, for he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” He requests, “Lord, my servant lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony.”

So Jesus went with them. But when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends with the message: “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. That is why I did not consider myself worthy to come to You. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes; and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”

When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone even in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to them, “Go! As you have believed, so will it be done for you.” (His servant was healed at that very hour.) And when the messengers returned to the house, they found the servant in good health.

My Thoughts 

What was different about the Centurion’s faith and the faith of all those in Israel? Jesus points out that there’s a major disparity between this Roman Commander and even His own disciples. He declares “I have not found anyone even in Israel with such great faith.” So what did Jesus see in this soldier? And what did the soldier see in Jesus?

Let’s start with the Centurion. As he states, he sees authority from a military point of view. If he tells someone to do something, it’s as good as done. As a commander he was used to people following his orders. And if they didn’t, well, everyone knows that’s not going to end on a positive note. He also knew what it meant to obey the authority placed over him. When they said “jump” the only question he had was “How high?” He was used to the chain of command in the military. And based on his understanding of Jesus, he saw Him as a Superior Authority. Jesus just needed to say the word and it was as good as done. 

And notice Jesus’ response. He applauds his faith. In fact, He was impressed! He hadn’t found this kind of faith in any of the Children of Israel. But here’s this pagan, Gentile, occupier, a symbol of everything distained by the Jews, and he gets first place in the faith race. And Jesus didn’t downplay what his faith was based on; his understanding of authority. He doesn’t say; “Oh, you don’t have to elevate Me like that friend. I’m just a nice guy doing nice things for confused people who don’t know I’m the King.” No, Jesus essentially affirms the Centurions view of His rightful authority over sickness, people, and everything. And Jesus calls this great faith! 

I’m not sure in modern Christianity that we would so quickly associate Jesus’ authority with faith. Usually it’s coupled with knowing the right things. Normally we connect believing correct doctrine with the giants in the faith. But is that all Jesus is looking for? I think the Centurion’s understanding of authority and Jesus’ position over him led to a particular posture of faith. He was quick to submit to that authority and thereby believed that Jesus was able to command healing into his servant. “You’re the King, You say it and it’s done.” 

The Centurion’s faith was not just data, it was an understanding and submission to a power. Jesus had rulership over a kingdom. He has control over all creation. Sure the Centurion would have to intellectually ascend to these facts but he put the knowledge into action by placing himself under that authority. Which he did, unhesitantly and absolutely. 

I think this is part of what James is alluding to when he writes;

For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. (James 2:26)

My Story

When I was a private in the Army, I was sent to Recondo school. It was a very demanding three week course in the basics of reconnaissance. I graduated at the top of the class so the Corps Commander, a three star general, pinned on my Recondo badge and said; “Son, if there’s anything I can do for you, come and see me.” 

A couple of months later I was running into all kinds of red tape in trying to get an assignment to a Ranger unit so I decided to see the General. Now if you’re as unfamiliar with the military as I was as a lowly private, you probably don’t know that if a General tells you to come and see him, he’s probably just being nice or at the very least you need to go through the proper channels. But not me, I took him at his word and marched right up to the XVIII Airborne Corps Headquarters and asked to see General Warner. His secretary very kindly asked if I had an appointment, knowing that I didn’t. I said no and explained my situation and the invitation the general had given me. She smiled and said, “The General is not in now, but I’m sure the Corps Sergeant Major will see you.” I was way out of my depth and didn’t have a clue. But everyone was playing along with this bodacious private who had the nerve to take the General up on his offer. 

The Sergeant Major invited me in and kindly listened to my plight, which is not normal for Sergeant Majors, I guarantee it! He said, “Let me see what we can do about this. If you want to be an Airborne Ranger, there’s no reason we shouldn’t be able to make that happen.” Then he gently instructed me on how to use the chain of command in the future to solve my problems. 🙂

Now I didn’t quite understand the military protocol as well as the Centurion but I understood enough that persons in high command can get things done. And very much like the Centurion, I was bold enough to ask. As disciple makers are we painting faith in Jesus this way? Are we teaching people that our King says, “Son, if there’s anything I can do for you, come and see me.” He’s not just being nice. We don’t have to go through channels to see Him and make our request. We can boldly go to the throne of Grace like the Centurion and Private Wood and lay our petition before Him. The kind of faith Jesus is looking for believes and submits to His power and authority.

Our Action Plan

Now it’s time for application. Here’s some ideas.

  • Consider the faith of those you are discipling. Are they bold and bodacious? 
  • Use stories of Bible characters to bolster their faith.
  • Do or pray something BIG together as a church.

Timidity and faith do not go together. Let’s “gird up our lions” so to speak and have a soldier’s kind of faith believing in God’s power and authority.

[Footnote 1]: Differences between Matthew and Luke’s Account of the Centurion – In Matthew’s account it appears that the Centurion came to Jesus in person whereas in Luke’s account, the Centurion sends emissaries. I like the two options Dr. Robert C. Newman gives on the website linked below; 

OPTION #1. The Centurion came AFTER sending emissaries. While the centurion originally felt shame in approaching Jesus (Lk. 7:6), it’s possible that he could have come out to visit him after sending his servants. Remember, Jesus was “not far from the house” (Lk. 7:6), so this is entirely possible. Poythress observes, “Human motivations and decision making are complex and often include some wavering or change of mind.”[1]

OPTION #2. The emissaries represented the Centurion. When Matthew records that the centurion was “imploring Jesus,” it never says that this was “face to face” or “in person.” Of course, the centurion did implore Jesus, but this was via a messenger or representative. We would use this same language today, when a newspaper states, “The President told the Prime Minister to support his foreign policy.” We don’t expect that the two people actually spoke to one another. They may have, or maybe the President sent his ambassadors to do it for him.

Elsewhere in the gospels, we read, “Pilate took Jesus and scourged him” (Jn. 19:1; cf. Mt. 27:26; Mk. 15:15; Lk. 23:16). Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Pilate held the whip himself, but rather, the order came from him to have Jesus scourged.

Evidence Unseen(https://www.evidenceunseen.com/bible-difficulties-2/nt-difficulties/matthew/mt-85-13-does-this-contradict-the-account-in-luke-71-10/ ))

Una Fe de Soldado – #60

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, combinaremos los Evangelios de Mateo y Lucas para ver qué tipo de fe impresiona a Jesús.

Así que comencemos

Mateo 8:1, 5–13, Lucas 7:1–10

Cuando Jesús concluyó su discurso a oídos de la gente, bajó de la montaña, y grandes multitudes lo siguieron. Fue a Capernaum. Allí, un siervo muy apreciado de un centurión estaba enfermo y a punto de morir. Cuando el centurión oyó hablar de Jesús, envió a algunos ancianos judíos para pedirle que viniera a sanar a su siervo.  Se acercaron a Jesús y le rogaron fervientemente: «Este hombre es digno de que te concedas esto, porque ama a nuestra nación y ha edificado nuestra sinagoga». Él pide: “Señor, mi siervo yace en casa, paralítico y en terrible agonía”.

Así que Jesús fue con ellos. Pero cuando no estaba lejos de la casa, el centurión envió a sus amigos con el mensaje: “Señor, no te molestes, porque no soy digno de que entres bajo mi techo. Es por eso que no me consideré digno de venir a Ti. Pero solo di la palabra, y mi siervo será sanado. Porque yo mismo soy un hombre bajo autoridad, con soldados a mis órdenes. Le digo a uno que se vaya, y se va; y otro por venir, y él viene. Le digo a mi siervo que haga algo, y lo hace”.

Al oír esto, Jesús se maravilló y dijo a los que le seguían: «En verdad os digo que ni siquiera en Israel he encontrado a nadie con una fe tan grande. Os digo que vendrán muchos del oriente y del occidente para compartir el banquete con Abraham, Isaac y Jacob en el reino de los cielos. Pero los hijos del reino serán arrojados a las tinieblas de afuera, donde será el llanto y el crujir de dientes”. Entonces Jesús les dijo: «¡Id! Como habéis creído, así se hará por vosotros”. (Su siervo fue sanado en esa misma hora.) Cuando los mensajeros regresaron a la casa, encontraron al siervo en buen estado de salud.

Mis Pensamientos

¿Qué había de diferente en la fe del centurión y en la fe de todos los que estaban en Israel? Jesús señala que hay una gran disparidad entre este comandante romano e incluso sus propios discípulos. Él declara: “No he encontrado a nadie, ni siquiera en Israel, con una fe tan grande”. Entonces, ¿qué vio Jesús en este soldado? ¿Y qué vio el soldado en Jesús?

Empecemos por el Centurión. Como él mismo afirma, ve la autoridad desde un punto de vista militar. Si le dice a alguien que haga algo, es como hecho. Como comandante estaba acostumbrado a que la gente siguiera sus órdenes. Y si no lo hicieron, bueno, todo el mundo sabe que eso no va a terminar con una nota positiva. También sabía lo que significaba obedecer a la autoridad que se había depositado sobre él. Cuando le dijeron “saltar”, la única pregunta que tenía era: “¿A qué altura?” Estaba acostumbrado a la cadena de mando en el ejército. Y basado en su comprensión de Jesús, lo vió como una Autoridad Superior. Jesús solo necesitaba decir la palabra y estaba como hecho.

Y fíjense en la respuesta de Jesús. Aplaude su fe. De hecho, ¡quedó impresionado! Él no había encontrado este tipo de fe en ninguno de los Hijos de Israel. Pero aquí está este pagano, gentil, ocupante, un símbolo de todo lo que los judíos han desdeñado, y éste obtiene el primer lugar en la carrera de la fe. Y Jesús no minimizó en qué se basaba su fe; o su comprensión de la autoridad. Él no dice; “Oh, no tienes que elevarme como ese amigo. Solo soy un buen tipo que hace cosas buenas por personas confundidas que no saben que soy el Rey”. No, Jesús esencialmente afirma el punto de vista de los Centuriones de Su legítima autoridad sobre la enfermedad, las personas y todo. ¡Y Jesús llama a esto una gran fe!

No estoy seguro de que en el cristianismo moderno asociemos tan rápidamente la autoridad de Jesús con la fe. Por lo general, se combina con saber las cosas correctas. Normalmente conectamos la creencia en la doctrina correcta con los gigantes en la fe. Pero, ¿es eso todo lo que Jesús está buscando? Creo que la comprensión del centurión de la autoridad y la posición de Jesús sobre él llevaron a una postura particular de fe. Se sometió rápidamente a esa autoridad y, por lo tanto, creyó que Jesús podía ordenar la curación a su siervo. “Tú eres el Rey, lo dices y ya está”.

La fe del Centurión no era solo en datos. Era un entendimiento y una sumisión a un poder. Jesús gobernaba un reino. Él tiene control sobre toda la creación. Claro que el Centurión tendría que ascender intelectualmente a estos hechos, pero puso el conocimiento en acción colocándose bajo esa autoridad, lo cual hizo, sin vacilar y absolutamente.

Creo que esto es parte de lo que Santiago está aludiendo cuando escribe;

Porque como el cuerpo sin espíritu está muerto, así también la fe sin obras está muerta (Santiago 2:26).

Mi Historia

Cuando era soldado raso en el Ejército, me enviaron a la escuela Recondo. Fue un curso muy exigente de tres semanas en los conceptos básicos de reconocimiento. Me gradué como el mejor de la clase, así que el Comandante del Cuerpo; un General de tres estrellas, me puso la insignia de Recondo y dijo; “Hijo, si hay algo que pueda hacer por ti, ven a verme”.

Un par de meses más tarde, me encontré con todo tipo de trámites burocráticos al tratar de conseguir una asignación para una unidad de Rangers, así que decidí ver al General. Ahora bien, si usted no está familiarizado con el ejército como yo lo estaba cuando era un humilde soldado raso, probablemente no sepa que si un General le dice que vaya a verlo, probablemente solo esté siendo amable o al menos tenga que pasar por los canales adecuados. Pero yo no; le tomé la palabra y me dirigí hasta el Cuartel General del XVIII Cuerpo Aerotransportado y pedí ver al General Warner. Su secretaria muy amablemente me preguntó si tenía una cita, sabiendo que no la tenía le dije que no y le expliqué mi situación y la invitación que me había hecho el General. Ella sonrió y dijo: “El General no está aquí ahora, pero estoy segura de que el Sargento Mayor del Cuerpo te atenderá”. Estaba fuera de mi alcance y no tenía ni idea. Pero todo el mundo le seguía el juego a este soldado raso que tuvo el descaro de aceptar la oferta del General.

El Sargento Mayor me invitó a pasar y amablemente escuchó mi situación, lo cual no es normal para los Sargentos Mayores, ¡lo garantizo! Él dijo: “Déjame ver qué podemos hacer al respecto. Si quieres ser un Ranger Paracaidista, no hay ninguna razón por la que no podamos hacer que eso suceda”. Luego me instruyó gentilmente sobre cómo usar la cadena de mando en el futuro para resolver mis problemas. 🙂

Ahora bien, yo no entendía muy bien el protocolo militar tan bien como el Centurión, pero entendía lo suficiente que las personas en el alto mando pueden hacer las cosas. Y al igual que el Centurión, me atreví a preguntar. Como hacedores de discípulos, ¿estamos pintando la fe en Jesús de esta manera? ¿Estamos enseñando a la gente que nuestro Rey dice: “Hijo, si hay algo que pueda hacer por ti, ven a verme”? No solo está siendo amable. No tenemos que pasar por canales para verlo y hacer nuestra petición. Podemos ir audazmente al trono de la Gracia como el Centurión y el Soldado Wood y presentar nuestra petición ante Él. El tipo de fe que Jesús está buscando, cree y se somete a su poder y autoridad.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora es el momento de la aplicación. Aquí tienes algunas ideas.

–       Considera la fe de aquellos a quienes estás discipulando. ¿Son atrevidos y atrevidos?

–       Utilice historias de personajes de la Biblia para reforzar su fe.

–       Hagan u oren por algo GRANDE juntos como iglesia.

La timidez y la fe no van de la mano. “Ciñamos nuestros lomos”, por así decirlo, y tengamos el tipo de fe de un soldado, creyendo en el poder y la autoridad de Dios.

[Nota] Diferencias entre el relato de Mateo y el de Lucas sobre el centurión – En el relato de Mateo parece que el centurión vino a Jesús en persona, mientras que en el relato de Lucas, el centurión envía emisarios. Me gustan las dos opciones que da el Dr. Robert C. Newman en el sitio web vinculado a continuación;

OPCIÓN #1. El Centurión llegó DESPUÉS de enviar emisarios. Si bien el centurión originalmente sintió vergüenza al acercarse a Jesús (Lucas. 7:6), es posible que pudiera haber salido a visitarlo después de enviar a sus siervos. Recuerde, Jesús “no estaba lejos de la casa” (Lucas 7:6), así que esto es completamente posible. Poythress observa: “Las motivaciones humanas y la toma de decisiones son complejas y, a menudo, incluyen alguna vacilación o cambio de opinión”. [1]

OPCIÓN #2. Los emisarios representaban al Centurión. Cuando Mateo registra que el centurión estaba “implorando a Jesús”, nunca dice que esto fue “cara a cara” o “en persona”. Por supuesto, el centurión imploró a Jesús, pero esto fue a través de un mensajero o representante. Usaríamos este mismo lenguaje hoy, cuando un periódico dice: “El Presidente le dijo al Primer Ministro que apoyara su política exterior”. No esperamos que las dos personas realmente se hablaran cara a cara. Es posible que lo hayan hecho, o tal vez el Presidente envió a sus embajadores para que lo hicieran por él.

En otra parte de los Evangelios, leemos: “Pilato tomó a Jesús y lo azotó” (Juan 19:1; Mateo 27:26; Marcos 15:15; Lucas 23:16). Por supuesto, esto no significa necesariamente que Pilato sostuviera el látigo él mismo, sino que la orden de azotar a Jesús vino de él.

[1] Evidencia Oculta(https://www.evidenceunseen.com/bible-difficulties-2/nt-difficulties/matthew/mt-85-13-does-this-contradict-the-account-in-luke-71-10/ ))

Where Heresy and Hypocrisy Meet- #59

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be combining the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to discover how Jesus views both false teachers and those who don’t live what they profess to believe.

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

Matthew 7:12-29, Luke 6:43-49

In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets. Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. By their fruit you will recognize them. For each tree is known by its own fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Indeed, figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor grapes from brambles. Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, by their fruit you will recognize them. The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.

Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I say? Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’

Therefore I will show you what he is like . Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, he is like a wise man who is building his house who dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock. The rain fell, the flood came, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat and crashed against that house; yet it could not shake it and it did not fall, because it was well built on its foundation, on the rock.

But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand, ground without a foundation. The rain fell, the torrents crashed and raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and immediately it fell–and great was its collapse and destruction!”

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

My Thoughts 

Jesus is giving us a warning. Not every spiritual teacher is preaching the truth. I like what I heard someone say once; “I keep an open mind but I also have a screen to keep the bugs out.” So why keep an open mind? Why have a screen? How do we know what the bugs look like? Well, Jesus gives us some really good guidance here and it all has to do with proper alignment. 

  1. First, we need to have a little bit of situational awareness. There’s some really bad teaching out there and the one who isn’t alert to such a problem is walking through a spiritual minefield. They are going to get blown up. In the Army we had a saying; “Keep your head on a swivel.” In other words you’re constantly looking for danger all around. It’s there, you have to be able to recognize it and take action. And the best way to identify false teaching is by assessing it the way Jesus assesses it. We need to align ourselves with the teaching of Jesus in order to spot the counterfeit. Jesus tells us what the bugs look like and our awareness of such bugs prompts us to put in a screen.
  2. You’ll know sound teachers by their fruit. It’s interesting that Jesus points out the produce of a good teacher. They bear good fruit. I think this can be taken two ways; Character and People. The Bible refers to both as fruit. (Galatians 5:22-23, John 4:35-38). It’s so much more than just having the right doctrine in our heads. So what kind of fruit are these teachers bearing? Are they just talking the talk or are they walking the walk. Are the people they are teaching being transformed by the truth? Are they making disciples of Jesus or of themselves? Have these teachers aligned themselves with Jesus by abiding deeply in Him to become like Him? 
  3. Obedience is more than being “super spiritual.” There must be alignment of the whole person. From the Heart (Motives) to the Words to Action, it all needs to be aligned with the Master. If anything is not in the process of being aligned, even if we see incredibly spiritual things like healings and casting out demons, or great teaching, or evangelism and baptisms, or gathering hundreds of people. (Judas probably did most of that.) there will be bad fruit. Jesus guarantees it. 
  4. Wise vs Foolish. The true test of a leader worthy of Jesus’ followers is hearing and obeying His words. Knowledge and Obedience. Never pit these against each other! Both are needed along with one other element, identity. I like to put it in these terms; BE, KNOW, DO. It is part and parcel of the whole person being transformed by Christ. The three are like a grilled cheese sandwich, once it’s grilled and you try to pull it apart, you get nothing but a mess. 

Listen to how the writer of Hebrews puts it and notice verse seven comes before seventeen;

7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith… 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:7,17)

My Story

When my brother and I attended seminary together, we had a theology professor that was downright mean. He was brilliant and well respected internationally for his knowledge of Scripture and doctrine. But his treatment of his students was appalling. He would ask questions and if the student didn’t answer correctly, he would have them stand up and berate them in front of the whole class.

One day he was handing back the quiz we had taken the week before. He came to my brother and said, “This was an excellent explanation of the doctrine. Wasn’t your bachelors degree in biology? Well done.” Then he turned to me with a scowl and threw some papers at me and said, “And you’re the Bible college grad?!” He was not impressed with my work but did he have to embarrass me in front of my brother and fellow students?

I wonder, with all that knowledge of the Bible and even being a well known scholar, was Jesus impressed with the way he treated people? Obviously things were not in alignment.

Our Action Plan

Where does knowledge and application come together on this one for us as disciple makers? Here’s some assessment ideas;

  • What kind of fruit are we bearing? (Both character and people)
  • Are you the “Bible answer man” for the whole church or is everyone reading their Bibles?
  • Is BE, KNOW, DO being equally taught and practiced or is it out of alignment?

In order to avoid these two great dangers, heresy and hypocrisy, we need to do a good job of aligning the whole person (ourselves and others) with Jesus.

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

Donde la Herejía y la Hipocresía se Encuentran – #59

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, combinaremos los Evangelios de Mateo y Lucas para descubrir cómo Jesús ve tanto a los falsos maestros como a aquellos que no viven lo que profesan creer.

Así que comencemos.

Mateo 7:12-29, Lucas 6:43-49

En todo, pues, haz a los demás lo que te gustaría que te hicieran a ti. Porque esta es la esencia de la Ley y de los Profetas. Entra por la puerta estrecha. Porque ancha es la puerta y espacioso el camino que lleva a la perdición, y muchos entran por ella. Pero pequeña es la puerta y angosto el camino que conduce a la vida, y solo unos pocos la encuentran. Cuidado con los falsos profetas. Vienen a ti con piel de oveja, pero por dentro son lobos rapaces.

Ningún árbol bueno da malos frutos, ni un árbol malo da buenos frutos. Por sus frutos los reconocerás. Porque cada árbol se conoce por su propio fruto. ¿Se recogen las uvas de los espinos, o los higos de los abrojos? De hecho, los higos no se recogen de los espinos, ni las uvas de las zarzas. Del mismo modo, todo árbol bueno da buenos frutos, pero un árbol malo da malos frutos. Un árbol bueno no puede dar malos frutos, y un árbol malo no puede dar buenos frutos. Todo árbol que no da buen fruto es cortado y arrojado al fuego. Así que, por su fruto los reconoceréis. El hombre bueno saca cosas buenas del buen tesoro de su corazón, y el hombre malo saca cosas malas del tesoro malo de su corazón. Porque de la abundancia del corazón habla la boca.

¿Por qué me llamáis ‘Señor, Señor’, pero no hacéis lo que os digo? No todo el que me dice: Señor, Señor, entrará en el reino de los cielos, sino solo el que hace la voluntad de mi Padre que está en los cielos. Muchos me dirán en aquel día: “Señor, Señor, ¿no profetizamos en tu nombre, y en tu nombre expulsamos demonios y en ti hicimos muchos milagros?” Entonces les diré claramente: ‘Nunca os conocí; ¡Apartaos de mí, hacedores de iniquidad!’

Por lo tanto, les mostraré cómo es él. Todo el que oye estas palabras Mías y actúa en consecuencia, es como un hombre sabio que está construyendo su casa, que cavó profundamente y puso sus cimientos sobre la roca. Cayó la lluvia, vino el diluvio, se enfurecieron los torrentes, y los vientos soplaron, golpearon y se estrellaron contra aquella casa; Sin embargo, no pudo sacudirla y no cayó, porque estaba bien construida sobre sus cimientos, sobre la roca.

Pero todo el que oye estas palabras mías y no las pone en práctica, es como un hombre insensato que edificó su casa sobre arena, tierra sin cimientos. Cayó la lluvia, los torrentes se estrellaron y se enfurecieron, y los vientos soplaron y golpearon contra esa casa, y al instante cayó, ¡y grande fue su derrumbe y destrucción!”

Cuando Jesús terminó de decir estas cosas, la gente se asombró de su enseñanza, porque enseñaba como quien tenía autoridad, y no como sus escribas.

Mis Pensamientos

Jesús nos está dando una advertencia. No todos los maestros espirituales predican la verdad. Me gusta lo que escuché decir a alguien una vez; “Mantengo la mente abierta, pero también tengo una pantalla para mantener alejados a los bichos”. Entonces, ¿por qué mantener la mente abierta? ¿Por qué tener una pantalla? ¿Cómo sabemos cómo son esos insectos? Bueno, Jesús nos da una muy buena guía aquí y todo tiene que ver con la alineación adecuada.

  1.  En primer lugar, tenemos que tener un poco de percepción situacional. Hay algunas enseñanzas realmente malas por ahí y el que no está alerta a tal problema está caminando a través de un campo de minas espirituales. Estas van a explotar. En el Ejército teníamos un dicho; “Mantén la cabeza en un giro”. En otras palabras, estás constantemente buscando peligro por todas partes. Está ahí, hay que ser capaz de reconocerlo y movernos a la acción. Y la mejor manera de identificar la falsa enseñanza es evaluándola de la manera en que Jesús la evalúa. Necesitamos alinearnos con la enseñanza de Jesús para poder detectar la falsificación. Jesús nos dice cómo se ven esos insectos y nuestra percepción de tales insectos nos impulsa a poner una pantalla.
  1.  Reconocerás a los buenos maestros por sus frutos. Es interesante que Jesús señale el producto de un buen maestro. Dan buenos frutos. Creo que esto se puede tomar de dos maneras; Carácter y personas. La Biblia se refiere a ambos como fruto. (Gálatas 5:22-23, Juan 4:35-38). Es mucho más que simplemente tener la doctrina correcta en nuestras cabezas. Entonces, ¿qué clase de fruto están dando estos maestros? ¿Están hablando solo o están predicando con el ejemplo? ¿Las personas a las que enseñan están siendo transformadas por la verdad? ¿Están haciendo discípulos de Jesús o de sí mismos? ¿Se han alineado estos maestros con Jesús al permanecer profundamente en Él para llegar a ser como Él?
  2. La obediencia es más que ser “súper espiritual”. Debe haber una alineación de toda la persona. Desde el Corazón (Motivos) hasta las Palabras y la Acción, todo necesita estar alineado con el Maestro. Si algo no está en el proceso de alinearse, incluso aún cuando vemos cosas increíblemente espirituales como sanidades y expulsión de demonios, o grandes enseñanzas, o evangelismo y bautismos, o la reunión de cientos de personas. (Judas probablemente hizo la mayor parte de eso). Habrá malos frutos. Jesús lo garantiza.
  3. Los sabios contra los tontos. La verdadera prueba de un líder digno de los seguidores de Jesús es escuchar y obedecer Sus palabras: Conocimiento y Obediencia. ¡Nunca los consideres uno menos que el otro! Ambos son necesarios junto con otro elemento, la identidad. Me gusta decirlo en estos términos; SER, CONOCER, HACER. Es parte integral de toda la persona que está siendo transformada por Cristo. Los tres son como un sándwich de queso a la parrilla, una vez que se asa a la parrilla y tratas de separarlo, no obtienes nada más que un desastre.

Escuchen cómo lo expresa el escritor de Hebreos y noten que el versículo siete viene antes del diecisiete;

7 Acordaos de vuestros pastores, que os hablaron la palabra de Dios; considerad cuál haya sido el resultado de su conducta, e imitad su fe….17 Obedeced a vuestros pastores, y sujetaos a ellos; porque ellos velan por vuestras almas, como quienes han de dar cuenta; para que lo hagan con alegría, y no quejándose, porque esto no os es provechoso. (Hebreos 13:7,17)

Mi Historia

Cuando mi hermano y yo asistimos juntos al seminario, teníamos un profesor de teología que era francamente malo. Fue brillante y muy respetado internacionalmente por su conocimiento de las Escrituras y la doctrina. Pero el trato que daba a sus alumnos era espantoso. Hacía preguntas y si el estudiante no respondía correctamente, les hacía ponerse de pie y reprenderlos frente a toda la clase.

Un día nos estaba devolviendo el ejercicio que habíamos hecho la semana anterior. Se acercó a mi hermano y le dijo: “Esta fue una excelente explicación de la doctrina. ¿No era tu licenciatura en biología? Bien hecho”. Luego se volvió hacia mí con el ceño fruncido, me arrojó unos papeles y me dijo: “¡¿Y tú eres el graduado de la universidad bíblica?!” No estaba impresionado con mi trabajo, pero ¿tenía que avergonzarme frente a mi hermano y mis compañeros de estudios?

Me pregunto, con todo ese conocimiento de la Biblia e incluso siendo un erudito muy conocido, ¿quedó Jesús impresionado con la forma en que trataba a las personas? Obviamente las cosas no estaban alineadas.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

¿Dónde se unen el conocimiento y la aplicación en este caso para nosotros como hacedores de discípulos? He aquí algunas ideas de evaluación:

–       ¿Qué clase de fruto estamos produciendo? (Tanto en carácter y como personas)

–       ¿Es usted el “hombre de las respuestas bíblicas” para toda la iglesia o todos están leyendo sus   Biblias?

–       ¿Se enseña y practica por igual el SER, CONOCER, HACER o está desalineado?

Para evitar estos dos grandes peligros, la herejía y la hipocresía, necesitamos hacer un buen trabajo alineando a la persona entera (a nosotros mismos y a los demás) con Jesús.

Energizer Bunny Prayer

He just keeps praying and praying and praying…

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be combining the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to see what Jesus has to say about a persistent prayer life.  

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

The Gospel – Matthew 7:7-11, Luke 11:5-13

Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose one of you goes to his friend at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine has come to me on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.’ And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Do not bother me. My door is already shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship, yet because of the man’s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?

So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things and the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

My Thoughts 

Why is Jesus addressing the subject of prayer in this manner? It’s kind of like He’s anticipating our doubts and lack of endurance. He starts with the story about the friend that through persistent partition receives what he needs and not through his relational clout. Jesus encourages us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking. And then He anchors His admonition to pray, not based on a relationship built on merely friendship, but a relationship fixed on family; Father to son or daughter. 

So is Jesus barking up the wrong tree? Do we really struggle in believing that God will answer our prayers? Do we have a tendency to give up too soon and doubt that He even cares about our circumstances? I don’t know about you but as I listen to Jesus, He hits the nail on the head in my prayer life. He is trying to assure us that not only is prayer affectual, it is essential to persist because He knows our weaknesses in this area.

Now if we know our own weakness in prayer, how should it inform how we help disciples develop their prayer life? As I stated in my last blog post, with patience and compassion for sure. But we also need to help them press on beyond their doubts and lack of perseverance. I like to put it in these terms; We need to help the disciple go from duty to delight. But how do we do this as disciple makers?

The first thing I do is answer the MOTIVATION question; “Why should I pray?” And the best way to do that is by going to the Scriptures.

I pray because I’m commanded to. 

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

I pray because God promises to answer our prayers. (Now the answer may be Yes, No, or Wait. But He always answers our prayers).

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7

Another reason is because prayer changes things.

…The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (James 5:16b)

The next step is DEMONSTRATION. I show them how to pray. I actually pray with them and if I’m modeling perseverance, I’ll pray often and with endurance. Then it’s time for APPLICATION. I have them begin to pray on their own. And lastly comes EVALUATION. I ask how they are doing or listen carefully as they pray when we are together.

This is how I try to help disciples with any spiritual discipline.

  1. MOTIVATION
  2. DEMONSTRATION
  3. APPLICATION
  4. EVALUATION

My Story

We recently had the privilege of leading four Army medics in being disciples of Jesus. Several times as we churched together they mentioned, “We have been in church all our lives and we have never heard this.” And “this” was the simple process of discipleship, helping them become more like Christ.

One of the things we taught them was how to spend time with Jesus every day. Deb and I modeled a simple process we call the “Word Sandwich.” We showed them how to Pray, Read, and Pray. We started with a prayer asking God to help us understand what we were about to read. Then we read the first chapter in the Gospel of Mark and had them underline the verses that stood out to them. Then we prayed to God the thoughts that these few verses meant to us. We timed the whole process and it took less than ten minutes.

I asked them, “Do you guys have ten minutes to give to God every day?” To which they were a little annoyed and retorted, “Of course we do!” I challenged them to read one chapter a day and finish the Gospel of Mark. Mark is only 16 chapters so they would have read their first book in the Bible. An easy win!

By the time the medics had left Fort Sam they had all finished the Gospel of Mark and were on to another book in the Bible. But most importantly they had begun to commune with their Master on a daily basis by praying and reading the Scriptures. As disciple makers, this is one of the most valuable gifts we can give. Connecting people directly to their God.

Nice story Chuck, but where is the example of perseverance in prayer? Deb and I had been sharing the gospel on Fort Sam for years and praying for people to disciple the whole time. These were the first guys in ten years that we saw come to Christ and participate in discipleship for 12 weeks before they shipped out.

Our Action Plan

 Now we’ll look at some ideas on how to help us and others stay persistent in prayer. 

  • Do an inventory. Have I stopped praying for something and need to start again?
  • Ask the person you’re discipling what they need to pray until God answers. Join them in that prayer.
  • Use the MOTIVATION, DEMONSTRATION, APPLICATION, EVALUATION tool to talk about persistent prayer with someone you are discipling.

As we make disciples we need to be aware that it’s a marathon and not a sprint. We need to build into young disciples a sense of perseverance and endurance. Especially in the area of prayer.

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

La Oración del Conejito Energizante – #58

Él sigue orando y orando y orando..

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, combinaremos los Evangelios de Mateo y Lucas para ver lo que Jesús tiene que decir sobre la vida de oración persistente.

Asi que comencemos

Mateo 7:7-11, Lucas 11:5-13

Entonces Jesús les dijo: “Supongamos que uno de vosotros va a su amigo a medianoche y le dice: ‘Amigo, préstame tres panes, porque un amigo mío ha venido a mí de viaje, y no tengo nada que ponerle delante’. Y supongamos que el que está dentro responde: ‘No me molestes. Mi puerta ya está cerrada y mis hijos y yo estamos en la cama. No puedo levantarme para darte nada’. Les digo que, aunque no se levante para proveerle a causa de su amistad, sin embargo, debido a la persistencia del hombre, se levantará y le dará todo lo que necesite.

Por eso os digo: Pedid, y se os dará; buscad, y hallaréis; llamad, y se os abrirá la puerta. Porque todo el que pide, recibe; el que busca, encuentra; y al que llama, se le abrirá la puerta.

¿Quién de vosotros, si su hijo le pide pan, le dará una piedra? ¿Qué padre de vosotros, si su hijo le pide un pez, le dará una serpiente en su lugar? O si pide un huevo, ¿le dará un escorpión?

Así que, si vosotros, que sois malos, sabéis dar buenas dádivas a vuestros hijos, ¡cuánto más vuestro Padre que está en los cielos dará cosas buenas y el Espíritu Santo a los que se lo pidan!”

Mis Pensamientos

¿Por qué Jesús aborda el tema de la oración de esta manera? Es como si Él estuviera anticipando nuestras dudas y falta de resistencia. Comienza con la historia del amigo que, a través de su persistencia, recibe lo que necesita y no a través de su influencia relacional. Jesús nos anima a seguir pidiendo, buscando y llamando. Y luego ancla Su exhortación a orar, no basada en una relación basada simplemente en la amistad, sino en una relación fija entre familia; de padre a hijo o hija.

Entonces, ¿está Jesús ladrando al árbol equivocado? ¿Realmente luchamos en creer que Dios contestará nuestras oraciones? ¿Tenemos la tendencia a darnos por vencidos demasiado pronto y a dudar de que a Él le importen nuestras circunstancias? No sé ustedes, pero mientras escucho a Jesús, Él da en el clavo en mi vida de oración. Él está tratando de asegurarnos que la oración no solo es efectiva, sino que es esencial persistir porque Él conoce nuestras debilidades en esta área.

Ahora bien, si conocemos nuestra propia debilidad en la oración, ¿De qué forma esto nos informaría sobre  cómo ayudamos a los discípulos a desarrollar su vida de oración? Como dije en mi última publicación de blog, con paciencia y compasión seguro. Pero también tenemos que ayudarles a seguir adelante más allá de sus dudas y de su falta de perseverancia. Me gusta decirlo en estos términos: Necesitamos ayudar al discípulo a pasar del deber al deleite. Pero, ¿cómo hacemos esto como hacedores de discípulos?

Lo primero que hago es responder a la pregunta de MOTIVACIÓN: “¿Por qué debería orar?” Y la mejor manera de hacerlo es yendo a las Escrituras.

Oro porque se me ordena hacerlo.

Estad siempre gozosos. Orad sin cesar.  Dad gracias en todo, porque esta es la voluntad de Dios para con vosotros en Cristo Jesús. (1 Tesalonicenses 5:16-18).

Oro porque Dios promete responder a nuestras oraciones. (Ahora la respuesta puede ser Sí, No o Esperar. Pero Él siempre contesta nuestras oraciones).

“Pedid, y se os dará; buscad, y hallaréis; llamad, y se os abrirá.” (Matthew 7).

Otra razón es porque la oración cambia las cosas.

..La oración eficaz del justo puede mucho. (Santiago 5:16b).

El siguiente paso es la DEMOSTRACIÓN. Les muestro cómo orar. De hecho, oro con ellos y si estoy modelando perseverancia, oraré a menudo y con perseverancia. Entonces es el momento de la APLICACIÓN. Les pido que comiencen a orar por su cuenta. Y por último viene la EVALUACIÓN. Les pregunto cómo están o escucho atentamente mientras oran cuando estamos juntos.

Así es como trato de ayudar a los discípulos con cualquier disciplina espiritual:

1.             MOTIVACIÓN

2.             DEMOSTRACIÓN

3.             APLICACIÓN

4.             EVALUACIÓN

Mi Historia

Recientemente tuvimos el privilegio de guiar a cuatro médicos del Ejército para ser discípulos de Jesús. Varias veces, mientras íbamos juntos a la iglesia, mencionaron: “Hemos estado en la iglesia toda nuestra vida y nunca habíamos escuchado esto”. Y “esto” era el simple proceso del discipulado, ayudándoles a llegar a ser más como Cristo.

Una de las cosas que les enseñamos fue cómo pasar tiempo con Jesús todos los días. Deb y yo modelamos un proceso simple que llamamos el “sándwich de palabras”. Les mostramos cómo Orar, Leer y Orar. Comenzamos con una oración pidiéndole a Dios que nos ayudara a entender lo que íbamos a leer. Luego leímos el primer capítulo del Evangelio de Marcos y les pedimos que subrayaran los versículos que les llamaron la atención. Luego oramos a Dios por los pensamientos que estos pocos versículos significaban para nosotros. Cronometramos todo el proceso y nos llevó menos de diez minutos.

Les pregunté: “¿Tienen diez minutos para darle a Dios todos los días?” A lo que ellos se molestaron un poco y replicaron: “¡Por supuesto que sí!” Los desafié a leer un capítulo al día y terminar el Evangelio de Marcos. Marcos tiene solo 16 capítulos, por lo que habrían leído su primer libro de la Biblia. ¡Una victoria fácil!

Para cuando los médicos salieron de Fort Sam, todos habían terminado el Evangelio de Marcos y estaban en otro libro de la Biblia. Pero lo más importante es que habían comenzado a comunicarse con su Maestro a diario orando y leyendo las Escrituras. Como hacedores de discípulos, este es uno de los dones más valiosos que podemos dar. Conectando a las personas directamente con su Dios.

Bonita historia Chuck, pero ¿dónde está el ejemplo de perseverancia en la oración? Deb y yo habíamos estado compartiendo el evangelio en Fort Sam durante años y orando para que la gente los discipulara todo el tiempo. Estos fueron los primeros hombres en diez años que vimos venir a Cristo y participar en el discipulado durante 12 semanas antes de salir a su nueva base militar.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora veremos algunas ideas sobre cómo ayudarnos a nosotros y a los demás a permanecer persistentes en la oración.

–       Haz un inventario. ¿He dejado de orar por algo y necesito empezar de nuevo?

–       Pregúntale a la persona a la que estás discipulando qué necesita orar hasta que Dios responda.   Únanse a ellos en esa oración.

–       Utilice la herramienta MOTIVACIÓN, DEMOSTRACIÓN, APLICACIÓN, EVALUACIÓN para hablar sobre la oración persistente con alguien a quien está discipulando.

A medida que hacemos discípulos, debemos ser conscientes de que es un maratón y no un esprint. Necesitamos inculcar en los jóvenes discípulos un sentido de perseverancia y persistencia. Especialmente en el área de la oración.

To Beam or Not to Beam – #57

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be combining the gospels of Matthew and Luke to hear what Jesus has to say about a proper perspective on helping people with their short-comings.

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

Matthew 7:1-6, Luke 6:37-42

“Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while you still fail to see a beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

My Thoughts

We are all still a work in progress. As disciple makers, it’s easy to forget what it takes to make any kind of growth in the Christian life. We forget how long it took us to learn some of these things and even become somewhat proficient in the ways of Jesus. This forgetfulness leads to impatience and self-righteousness. As someone recently said, “We try to microwave in others what it took a crockpot to do in us.”

So it’s a good idea to do what Jesus says here and look at the beam in our own eyes first. We need to look in the mirror everyday and acknowledge our own shortcomings and weaknesses. This is a sure fire way to maintain an even keel as we disciple others.

This does not mean we don’t assess and make corrections for those we mentor. Jesus instructs us to take the beam out of our eyes so that we are able to address the speck in our brother’s eye.  The Apostle Paul instructs his young protege; 

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. (2 Timothy 4:2)

It’s all about the attitude of humility and the willingness to make progress in our own journey of becoming like Jesus. Then we can adequately and compassionately lead those entrusted to our care.

One last observation. Jesus defines discipleship by defining a disciple in Luke 6:40;

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.”

I have a saying; “The great danger in aiming at anything less is that you actually might hit it.” If our definition of discipleship is anything less than helping people become like Jesus, we have fallen woefully short of His command to make His disciples. Notice too that Jesus points to the process in His definition;  “…who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Disciples are not prepackaged, they are made. And making takes time, intentionality, and patience. 

My Story

We recently had a gathering for some of the leaders in the network. We prayed, listened to some thoughts a couple of leaders had been pondering, and studied the Bible together. We also did what we call “Iron on Iron” or IOI for short. IOI is an assessment of our walk with Jesus and our ministry to others. When it was Deb and I’s turn and we talked about our challenges, I shared that I was having trouble controlling my thought life. Things like sexual impurity, judgmentalness, negativity, and the list goes on.  I was hesitant to share this struggle. I mean, what would my fellow leaders think about me? (And what are you thinking about me right now? 🙂).

Most people who know me would say I’m a pretty good guy. But if they spent a day in my brain, they would throw up. This is precisely the problem of the Pharisees. And Jesus called them out;

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (Matthew 23:25-28)

When I made my confession to my fellow leaders, they were not shocked or ready to jump ship. Nobody voted me off the island and many could identify with the same problem. Sharing our sins and weaknesses with our peers and those we are discipling is not only healthy, it’s essential. It helps people relate to us on a level of reality and gets rid of the “halo effect.” It makes you more approachable as a leader. And most importantly, it helps us stay humble and compassionate toward those we are mentoring. Humble pie is very nourishing when digested properly.

Our Action Plan

Now it’s time for application. Here’s some ideas.

  • Share your sins and weaknesses with those you are discipling on a regular basis. (1 John 1:7)
  • Have a time of confession as a church (James 5:16)
  • Be patient and compassionate with those you are discipling (Galatians 6:1)

As disciple makers it’s crucial to walk in the light with those we are discipling. It not only sets a good example for them, it is a safeguard for us and grounds us in humility.

Juzgar o No Juzgar – #57

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, combinaremos los Evangelios de Mateo y Lucas para escuchar lo que Jesús tiene que decir sobre una perspectiva adecuada para ayudar a las personas con sus defectos.

Así que comencemos.

Mateo 7:1-6, Lucas 6:37-42

“No juzguéis, no sea que seáis juzgados. Porque con el mismo juicio que pronunciéis, seréis juzgados; y con la medida con que midáis, se os medirá. No condenéis, y no seréis condenados. Perdona y serás perdonado.

Dad, y se os dará. Una buena medida, presionada, agitada y rebosante, se derramará en tu regazo. Porque con la medida con que midáis, se os volverá a medir”.

Jesús también les contó una parábola: “¿Puede un ciego guiar a otro ciego? ¿No caerán ambos en un pozo? Un discípulo no está por encima de su maestro, pero todos los que están completamente entrenados serán como su maestro.

¿Por qué miras la paja en el ojo de tu hermano, pero no te das cuenta de la viga en tu propio ojo? ¿Cómo puedes decirle a tu hermano: “Déjame sacarte la paja de tu ojo”, mientras sigues sin ver la viga en tu propio ojo? ¡Hipócrita! Primero saca la viga de tu propio ojo, y entonces verás claramente para quitar la paja del ojo de tu hermano.

No le des a los perros lo que es santo; No arrojes tus perlas delante de los cerdos. Si lo haces, es posible que los pisoteen bajo sus pies, y luego se vuelvan y te hagan pedazos

Mis Pensamientos

Todavía nuestro crecimiento espiritual es un trabajo en progresión. Como hacedores de discípulos, es fácil olvidar lo que se necesita para hacer cualquier tipo de crecimiento en la vida cristiana. Olvidamos cuánto tiempo nos llevó aprender algunas de estas cosas e incluso llegar a ser algo competentes en los caminos de Jesús. Este olvido conduce a la impaciencia y al fariseísmo. Como alguien dijo recientemente: “Tratamos de producir algo en el microondas en otros cuando ese mismo algo necesitó una olla de cocción lenta para producirlo en nosotros”.

Así que es buena idea hacer lo que Jesús dice aquí y mirar la viga con nuestros propios ojos primero. Necesitamos mirarnos en el espejo todos los días y reconocer nuestros propios defectos y debilidades. Esta es una forma segura de mantener una mira equilibrada mientras discipulamos a los demás.

Esto no significa que no evaluemos y hagamos correcciones para aquellos a quienes asesoramos. Jesús nos instruye a quitar la viga de nuestros ojos primero para que podamos hablar de la paja en el ojo de nuestro hermano.  El Apostol Pablo instruye a su joven protegido; 

Que prediques la palabra; que instes a tiempo y fuera de tiempo; redarguye, reprende, exhorta con toda paciencia y doctrina.(2 Timoteo 4:2).

Se trata de la actitud de humildad y la voluntad de progresar en nuestro propio recorrido para llegar a ser como Jesús. Entonces podremos guiar adecuada y compasivamente a aquellos que están confiados a nuestro cuidado.

Una última observación. Jesús define el discipulado mientras define a un discípulo en Lucas 6:40;

“El discípulo no es superior a su maestro; mas todo el que fuere perfeccionado, será como su maestro.”.

Tengo un dicho; “El gran peligro de apuntar a algo menos es que actualmente le darías al blanco”. Si nuestra definición de discipulado es algo menos que ayudar a las personas a llegar a ser como Jesús, nos hemos quedado lamentablemente cortos en Su mandamiento de hacer Sus discípulos. Nótese también que Jesús señala el proceso en Su definición;  “… el que está completamente entrenado será como su maestro”. Los discípulos no están preempaquetados, ellos son hechos. Y hacerlo requiere tiempo, intencionalidad y paciencia. 

Mi Historia

Recientemente tuvimos una reunión de algunos de los líderes de la red. Oramos, escuchamos algunas ideas en que un par de líderes habían estado meditando y estudiamos la Biblia juntos. También hicimos lo que llamamos Hierro en Hierro (“Iron on Iron” ) ó IOI para abreviar. IOI es una evaluación de nuestro caminar con Jesús y nuestro ministerio a los demás. Cuando fue el turno de Deb y yo y hablamos sobre nuestros desafíos, compartí que tenía problemas para controlar mi vida mental. Cosas como la impureza sexual, el juicio, la negatividad, y la lista continúa.  Dudaba en compartir esta lucha. Quiero decir, ¿qué pensarían mis compañeros líderes de mí? (¿Y qué estás pensando de mí en este momento? 🙂 ).

La mayoría de la gente que me conoce diría que soy un buen tipo. Pero si entraran un día en mi cerebro, vomitarían. Este es precisamente el problema de los fariseos. Y Jesús los llamó;

“ ¡Ay de vosotros, escribas y fariseos, hipócritas! porque limpiáis lo de fuera del vaso y del plato, pero por dentro estáis llenos de robo y de injusticia.  ¡Fariseo ciego! Limpia primero lo de dentro del vaso y del plato, para que también lo de fuera sea limpio. ¡Ay de vosotros, escribas y fariseos, hipócritas! porque sois semejantes a sepulcros blanqueados, que por fuera, a la verdad, se muestran hermosos, mas por dentro están llenos de huesos de muertos y de toda inmundicia.  Así también vosotros por fuera, a la verdad, os mostráis justos a los hombres, pero por dentro estáis llenos de hipocresía e iniquidad. (Mateo 23:25-28).

Cuando hice mi confesión a mis compañeros líderes, no estaban conmocionados ni listos para abandonar la barca. Nadie votó para que me fuera de la isla y muchos podrían identificarse con el mismo problema. Compartir nuestros pecados y debilidades con nuestros compañeros y con aquellos a quienes estamos discipulando no solo es saludable, sino que es esencial. Ayuda a las personas a relacionarse con nosotros en un nivel real y se deshace del “efecto del halo”. Te hace más accesible como líder. Y lo que es más importante, nos ayuda a mantenernos humildes y compasivos con aquellos a quienes asesoramos. El pastel humilde es muy nutritivo cuando se digiere correctamente.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora es el momento de la aplicación. Aquí tienes algunas ideas.

–       Comparte tus pecados y debilidades con aquellos a quienes estás discipulando regularmente     

      (1 Juan 1:7)           

–       Tener un tiempo de confesión como iglesia (Santiago 5:16)

–       Sé paciente y compasivo con aquellos a quienes estás discipulando (Gálatas 6:1)

 Como hacedores de discípulos, es crucial caminar en la luz con aquellos a quienes estamos discipulando. No solo es un buen ejemplo para ellos, sino que es una salvaguarda para nosotros y nos fundamenta en la humildad.

The Treasure Test -#56

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be combining the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to discover what Jesus says about our treasures. 

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

Matthew 6:19-34, Luke 12:22-34

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

Look at the birds of the air, consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns. They have no storehouse —and yet God, your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? How much more valuable you are than the birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? So if you cannot do such a small thing, why do you worry about the rest?

And why do you worry about clothes? 

Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Therefore do not worry or be concerned, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ Do not worry about it. For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

My Thoughts

As you make disciples, are you wondering where their treasure is? Jesus is. He makes it clear that there is a distinct difference between His followers and those who have bought into the world’s ways of living. The King has set different standards for us. He says have an eternal perspective. Make investments in the kingdom that will last. Don’t worry about the superficial stuff of life like food and clothing. What!? Don’t worry about food and clothing!? But these are essentials!? And your Father in heaven knows that and that’s why Jesus is so sure He will provide for His children. 

Now your mind may have immediately jumped to some hypothetical situations where some believer starved to death or froze because of inadequate clothing. I don’t know of any personally but before we do that let’s tackle a more prevalent and serious problem. In our culture we don’t worry about getting enough food. We worry about what kind of food we are going to get. We don’t worry about being clothed. We worry about what people will think about the kind of clothes we are wearing. Can you see the absolute disparity between what Jesus is saying and what our culture says (even in most Christian circles). It is, when you take a second to think about it, ridiculous.

Jesus is exhorting us to “play the long game.” The concept is fairly straightforward: Playing the long game means paying a small price today to see great dividends in the future. Jesus is putting things into perspective for us. A 70-80 year life span sounds like a long time but is not even a blip on the radar screen in light of eternity. Jesus is challenging us to invest wisely.

This mind set of storing up treasures in heaven doesn’t come easy. From birth, every fiber in our being is screaming for immediate gratification. As we mature we realize we can get the best by postponing the good. But most people never arrive at investing beyond this lifetime where the real payoff is. 

This is where the heart has to be transformed. Jesus says the heart will certainly follow the treasure. If our treasures are worldly, that’s where our hearts will be. If our treasure is heavenly, that’s where our hearts will be. As disciple makers, we are in the OR assisting the heart surgeons as they are cutting away that which is temporal and they are transplanting that which is eternal. 

So how do we assist in this surgery? By helping people hear from God through His Word and the Holy Spirit. This is the only way to change the treasure of the heart. The Word and the Spirit are experts with the spiritual scalpel;

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

My Story

A close friend of mine recently called to ask for advice. He had been given the task to make job assignments for himself and the team. All was going swimmingly until he discovered one of the team members wanted the exact same job he wanted. Now he was in a dilemma. Should he look out for his own desires and career first or sacrifice his desires for that of his teammate. 

As we talked, we both had the right answer in the back of our minds. We had both been following Jesus for quite some time. We were both steeped in the Scriptures. And we both want to seek Jesus and His kingdom first. But there was a hesitation to do what we knew was the kingdom thing to do. Store up treasures in heaven.

I hemmed and hawed because I wanted what was best for my friend. And he really wanted that job. I jokingly said, “You can flip a coin.” I knew as soon as I said it, it was a stupid idea. That night I couldn’t sleep. I tossed and turned with my buddy’s dilemma rolling around in my head. I want what is best for my friend. “So what is best for my friend?” I asked myself. Then Jesus’ words popped into my head;

Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38)

That was the treasure! What God could give! I texted him that morning but he had already made his decision. The words of Jesus had spoken to him too. He gave the job to his teammate and stored up for himself treasures in heaven.

Our Action Plan

Where does the rubber meet the road on this one for us as disciple makers? Here’s some ideas;

  • Take the “Treasure Test” ourselves. Are there any other treasures coming between us and God?
  • Listen carefully to those you are discipling. Where is their treasure?
  • Develop a Bible study and prayer plan that will address any lesser treasures you discover.

Although we are not the heart surgeons as disciple makers, we are called to assist. We point to Jesus and His words. We point to the whole of Scripture. And we point to the guidance of the Holy Spirit to replace the heart of stone with a heart of flesh where the true treasure resides.

La Prueba del Tesoro

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, combinaremos los Evangelios de Mateo y Lucas para descubrir lo que Jesús dice sobre nuestros tesoros.

Así que comencemos.

Mateo 6:19-34, Lucas 12:22-34

No os acumuléis tesoros en la tierra, donde la polilla y el orín destruyen, y donde ladrones minan y hurtan. Haceos tesoros en el cielo, donde la polilla y el orín no destruyen, y donde los ladrones no minan ni hurtan. Porque donde esté tu tesoro, allí estará también tu corazón. El ojo es la lámpara del cuerpo. Si tus ojos son buenos, todo tu cuerpo estará lleno de luz. Pero si tus ojos están mal, todo tu cuerpo estará lleno de tinieblas. Si, pues, la luz que hay en ti es tinieblas, ¡cuán grandes son esas tinieblas! Nadie puede servir a dos señores: o odiará a uno y amará al otro, o se dedicará a uno y despreciará al otro. No se puede servir a Dios y al dinero a la vez.

Entonces Jesús dijo a sus discípulos: “Por eso os digo: No os preocupéis por vuestra vida, qué comeréis, ni por vuestro cuerpo, qué vestiréis.  ¿No es la vida más que el alimento, y el cuerpo más que el vestido?

Mira a las aves del cielo, mira a los cuervos: no siembran, ni siegan, ni recogen en graneros. No tienen alfolí, y aun así Dios, su Padre celestial, los alimenta. ¿No eres tú mucho más valioso que ellos? ¡Cuánto más valioso eres tú que los pájaros! ¿Quién de vosotros, preocupándose, puede añadir una sola hora a su vida? Entonces, si no puedes hacer una cosa tan pequeña, ¿por qué te preocupas por el resto?

¿Y por qué te preocupas por la ropa?

Considere cómo crecen los lirios del campo: No trabajan ni hilan. Sin embargo, os digo que ni siquiera Salomón en toda su gloria fue adornado como uno de ellos. Si así viste Dios la hierba del campo, que hoy está aquí y mañana es echada en el horno, ¿cómo no os vestirá mucho más a vosotros, hombres de poca fe?

Por tanto, no os preocupéis ni os preocupéis, diciendo: “¿Qué comeremos?”, “¿Qué beberemos?” o “¿Qué vestiremos?” No te preocupes por eso. Porque los gentiles del mundo se esfuerzan por todas estas cosas, y vuestro Padre celestial sabe que las necesitáis. Mas buscad primeramente el reino de Dios y su justicia, y todas estas cosas os serán añadidas. Por lo tanto, no te preocupes por el mañana, porque el mañana se preocupará por sí mismo. Hoy ya tiene suficientes problemas propios. No temáis, pequeño rebaño, porque vuestro Padre se complace en daros el reino. Vende tus posesiones y dáselas a los pobres. Provéanse de bolsas que no se desgasten, un tesoro inagotable en el cielo, donde no se acerque el ladrón ni la polilla destruya. Porque donde esté tu tesoro, allí estará también tu corazón.

Mis Pensamientos

Al hacer discípulos, ¿te preguntas dónde está su tesoro? Jesús lo hace. Él deja claro que hay una clara diferencia entre Sus seguidores y aquellos que han comprado las formas de vida del mundo. El Rey ha establecido diferentes estándares para nosotros. Dice en paráfrasis que “ tengan una perspectiva eterna. Haz inversiones en el reino que perduren. No te preocupes por las cosas superficiales de la vida, como la comida y la ropa.” ¿¡Qué!? ¿¡No te preocupes por la comida y la ropa!? ¿¡Pero estos son esenciales!? Y su Padre Celestial lo sabe, y es por eso que Jesús está tan seguro de que proveerá para Sus hijos.

Ahora bien, es posible que tu mente haya saltado inmediatamente a algunas situaciones hipotéticas en las que algún creyente murió de hambre o se congeló debido a la ropa inadecuada. No conozco ninguno personalmente, pero antes de hacerlo, abordemos un problema más prevalente y grave. En nuestra cultura no nos preocupamos por conseguir suficiente comida. Nos preocupamos por el tipo de comida que vamos a conseguir. No nos preocupamos por estar vestidos. Nos preocupa lo que la gente pensará sobre el tipo de ropa que llevamos puesta. ¿Puedes ver la disparidad absoluta entre lo que Jesús está diciendo y lo que dice nuestra cultura (incluso en la mayoría de los círculos cristianos)? Es así, cuando te tomas un segundo para pensarlo, y ves que es ridículo.

Jesús nos está exhortando a “jugar a largo plazo”. El concepto es bastante sencillo: jugar a largo plazo significa pagar un pequeño precio hoy para ver grandes dividendos en el futuro. Jesús está poniendo las cosas en perspectiva para nosotros. Una esperanza de vida de 70-80 años parece mucho tiempo, pero ni siquiera es un parpadeo en la pantalla del radar a la luz de la eternidad. Jesús nos está desafiando a invertir sabiamente.

Esta mentalidad de acumular tesoros en el cielo no es fácil. Desde que nacemos, cada fibra de nuestro ser está pidiendo a gritos una gratificación inmediata. A medida que maduramos, nos damos cuenta de que podemos obtener lo mejor posponiendo lo bueno. Pero la mayoría de las personas nunca llegan a invertir más allá de esta vida, donde está la verdadera recompensa.

Aquí es donde el corazón tiene que ser transformado. Jesús dice que el corazón ciertamente seguirá al tesoro. Si nuestros tesoros son mundanos, ahí es donde estarán nuestros corazones. Si nuestro tesoro es celestial, ahí es donde estarán nuestros corazones. Como hacedores de discípulos, estamos en el quirófano ayudando a los cirujanos del corazón mientras cortan lo que es temporal y trasplantar lo que es eterno.

Entonces, ¿cómo asistimos a esta cirugía? Ayudando a las personas a escuchar de Dios a través de Su Palabra y el Espíritu Santo. Esta es la única manera de cambiar el tesoro del corazón. La Palabra y el Espíritu son expertos con el bisturí espiritual;

Porque la palabra de Dios es viva y eficaz, y más cortante que toda espada de dos filos; y penetra hasta partir el alma y el espíritu, las coyunturas y los tuétanos, y discierne los pensamientos y las intenciones del corazón.(Hebreos 4:12.)

Os daré corazón nuevo, y pondré espíritu nuevo dentro de vosotros; y quitaré de vuestra carne el corazón de piedra, y os daré un corazón de carne. Y pondré dentro de vosotros mi Espíritu, y haré que andéis en mis estatutos, y guardéis mis preceptos, y los pongáis por obra.(Ezequiel 36:26-27).

Mi Historia

Un amigo cercano me llamó recientemente para pedir consejo. Se le había dado la tarea de hacer asignaciones de trabajo para él y el equipo. Todo iba viento en popa hasta que descubrió que uno de los miembros del equipo quería exactamente el mismo trabajo que él. Ahora se encontraba en un dilema. ¿Debería velar primero por sus propios deseos y su carrera o sacrificar sus deseos por los de su compañero de equipo?

Mientras hablábamos, ambos teníamos la respuesta correcta en el fondo de nuestras mentes. Los dos habíamos estado siguiendo a Jesús durante bastante tiempo. Los dos estábamos empapados de las Escrituras. Y ambos queremos buscar a Jesús y Su reino primero. Pero había una vacilación para hacer lo que sabíamos que era lo que había que hacer en el Reino. Acumula tesoros en el cielo.

Hablé y paré y seguí hablando porque quería lo mejor para mi amigo. Y él realmente quería ese trabajo. Le dije en broma: “Puedes lanzar una moneda al aire”. Supe tan pronto como lo dije, que era una idea estúpida. Esa noche no pude dormir. Di vueltas y vueltas con el dilema de mi amigo dando vueltas en mi cabeza. Quiero lo mejor para mi amigo. “Entonces, ¿qué es lo mejor para mi amigo?” Me pregunté. Entonces las palabras de Jesús aparecieron en mi cabeza;

Dad, y se os dará; medida buena, apretada, remecida y rebosando darán en vuestro regazo; porque con la misma medida con que medís, os volverán a medir.(Lucas 6:38.)

¡Ese era el tesoro! ¡Lo que Dios podía dar! Le envié un mensaje de texto esa mañana, pero ya había tomado su decisión. Las palabras de Jesús también le habían hablado a él. Le dio el trabajo a su compañero de equipo y acumuló para sí mismo tesoros en el cielo.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

¿Dónde encontrar el lugar donde verdaderamente seremos definidos como hacedores de discípulos? Aquí hay algunas ideas;

  • Realicen la “Prueba del Tesoro” entre ustedes mismos. ¿Hay otros tesoros que se interponen entre nosotros y Dios?
  • Escuchen atentamente a aquellos a quienes estás discipulando. ¿Dónde están sus tesoros?
  • Desarrollen un estudio bíblico y un plan de oración que aborde cualquier tesoro menor que descubra.

Aunque como hacedores de discípulos no somos cirujanos del corazón, estamos llamados a ayudar. Les señalamos a Jesús y Sus palabras. Les señalamos toda la Escritura. Y les señalamos la guía del Espíritu Santo para que reemplace el corazón de piedra con un corazón de carne donde reside el verdadero tesoro.

The Secret Dilemma – #55

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be combining the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to discover the tension between practicing the spiritual disciplines in secret and modeling them for those you are discipling.

So let’s dive in.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document) 

Matthew 6:1-18, Luke 11:1-4

“Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

One day in a place where Jesus had just finished praying, one of His disciples requested, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Jesus said, “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. So then, Jesus told them, when you pray, this is how you should pray: Say, ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins and our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors and everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours. 

When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,  so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

My Thoughts 

As Jesus teaches us about giving, prayer, and fasting, He presents us with a dilemma. How do I model these spiritual disciplines for those I’m discipling if I can only do them in secret? This is where the difference between principle and form come into play. We have the form or method of these three disciplines presented to us as being done in secret and yet Jesus’ 12 apostles probably saw Him doing all three. We know that the 12 knew that Jesus did all three (prayer giving, and fasting) because they recorded them for us in Scripture.

Giving to the Poor 

For some were supposing, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, “Buy the things we have need of for the feast”; or else, that he should give something to the poor. (John 13:29)

Prayer

Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You… (John 17)

Fasting

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. (Matthew 4:1-2)

Now that’s not very secret! But what was Jesus really trying to get after in the Sermon on the Mount with His admonitions to practice these disciplines in secret. Was He saying “Never ever, and I mean never ever let anyone see you doing these things?” If we really thought so, we’d be in sin every time we practiced corporate giving, prayer, and fasting (and a whole lot of other spiritual disciplines). And Jesus Himself did not do these three in secret every time either.  I’m pretty sure He was not focusing on the form or method. He was pointing to a deeper principle: Don’t be showing off with how spiritual you are. This was the fundamental problem with the religious leaders of the day. It was all a show.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23:27-28)

So Jesus exhorts us to practice spiritual disciplines in private to avoid showing off in front of others and we certainly need to heed this warning. But it doesn’t mean we can’t ever practice spirituality in front of people. And one very good reason to allow people to see what we are doing to relate to God is to model this in front of the people we are mentoring.

Much of this has to do with the heart. Why am I practicing these disciplines in the presence of others? Am I showing off? Do I do most of my spiritual disciplines “under the radar” or just in the presence of others? Is the quality and quantity the same or even more in private or do I amp it up to impress the crowd? Am I the same person in private as I am in public? Am I hiding the dark inside stuff with the shiny hypocritical outside stuff?

So my take on what Jesus is saying is, Do most of your spiritual disciplines in secret. Don’t use your spirituality to impress people. Save your expressions of great devotion for the One who is the Great Rewarder. But by all means, set an example by modeling for those you are discipling.

My Story

Full disclosure. There’s something inside me that wants people to know how “spiritual” I am. I like to say, “The difference between a good Pharisee and a bad one is that the good one knows he’s bad.” So I’m not saying I’m without the temptation of showing off. I have to resist this temptation with the best of them. But I do want to model the spiritual disciplines for those I’m mentoring. And now you know why I’m so interested in this paradox. 🙂 

One of the ways I’ve tackled the “demonstration without the veneration” problem is to make sure that what I do in public is exactly what I do in private. I don’t need to declare my spirituality. I don’t need to hype my practices. I don’t even need to make amped up efforts to follow Jesus in front of people. WYSIWYG – What you see is what you get. 

Secondly, If you have people hanging out with you enough, they are going to see how you relate to Jesus in a very natural, everyday, consistent manner. Recently, Merari, one of the gals in our church, asked about my Scripture memory technique. I quote the passage I’m memorizing into a recording app on my phone and then check and see how well I did at quoting it. I do this day in and day out and at the same time in the privacy of my home. But since she is in our home so much, she caught me in one of my disciplines. The point is that if you have people around you enough, they’re going to eventually see your lifestyle, including your time with God. This is one sure fire way to model the disciplines.

Finally, if we are going to obey the Great Commission and make disciples the way Jesus did, modeling is a big part of the process. We are going to have to “show people” and not just “tell people” how to practice spiritual disciplines. We need to intentionally show people what we do in our relationship with God. Just a couple of weeks ago, Deb and I modeled for a group of Army medics how to spend daily time with Jesus by actually “showing” them how we did ours. The modeling is indispensable! How many times have people been told to read their Bible and pray everyday only to fail miserably because they didn’t know what to do? I’m happy to report that all four medics finished the Gospel of Mark and are pressing on to other books of the Bible.

Our Action Plan

Now we’ll look at some ideas on how to maintain the tension between secrecy and modeling. 

  • Do an honest assessment of your heart. How and why are you practicing spiritual disciplines in front of people?
  • Are the people you’re discipling practicing spiritual disciplines in a transformative manner? If not, you may need to do more modeling. 
  • Are the men and women you’re discipling struggling with showing off, are they afraid to model, or are they managing the tension between secrecy and modeling well. 

As disciple makers we are constantly assessing the heart and actions. The character behind the spiritual disciplines is just as important as doing them. And it’s just as important to model them for effective discipleship.

Index for all posts in the Gospel Sync Series

El Dilema Secreto – #55

¡Bienvenido! Hoy, combinaremos los Evangelios de Mateo y Lucas para descubrir la tensión entre practicar las disciplinas espirituales en secreto y modelarlas para aquellos a quienes estás discipulando.

Así que comencemos.

Mateo 6:1-18, Lucas 11:1-4

“Ten cuidado de no realizar tus actos justos delante de los hombres para ser vistos por ellos. Si lo hacéis, no tendréis recompensa de vuestro Padre que está en los cielos. Así que, cuando des a los necesitados, no toques la trompeta delante de ti, como hacen los hipócritas en las sinagogas y en las calles, para ser honrados por los hombres. En verdad os digo que ya tienen toda su recompensa. Pero cuando des a los necesitados, no sepa tu mano izquierda lo que hace tu derecha, para que tu ofrenda sea en secreto. Y tu Padre, que ve lo que se hace en secreto, te recompensará.

Un día, en un lugar donde Jesús acababa de terminar de orar, uno de sus discípulos le pidió: “Señor, enséñanos a orar, así como Juan enseñó a sus discípulos”. Jesús dijo: “Cuando oren, no sean como los hipócritas. Porque les encanta orar de pie en las sinagogas y en las esquinas de las calles para ser vistos por los hombres. En verdad os digo que ya tienen toda su recompensa. Pero cuando ores, entra en tu aposento, cierra la puerta y ora a tu Padre, que está en lo invisible. Y tu Padre, que ve lo que se hace en secreto, te recompensará. Y cuando oréis, no parloteéis como los paganos, porque piensan que con sus muchas palabras serán escuchados. No seáis como ellos, porque vuestro Padre sabe lo que necesitáis antes de que se lo pidáis. Entonces, Jesús les dijo: “Cuando oren, así es como deben orar: ‘Padre nuestro que estás en los cielos, santificado sea tu nombre. Venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, así en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Y perdónanos nuestros pecados y nuestras deudas, como también nosotros hemos perdonado a nuestros deudores y a todos los que pecan contra nosotros. Y no nos dejes caer en tentación, sino líbranos del maligno”. Porque si perdonáis a los hombres sus ofensas, también vuestro Padre celestial os perdonará a vosotros. Pero si no perdonáis a los hombres sus ofensas, tampoco vuestro Padre perdonará las vuestras.

Cuando ayunes, no te muestres sombrío como los hipócritas, porque ellos desfiguran sus rostros para mostrar a los hombres que están ayunando. En verdad os digo que ya tienen toda su recompensa. Pero cuando ayunes, unge tu cabeza y lávate la cara, para que tu ayuno no sea evidente a los hombres, sino solo a tu Padre, que está oculto. Y tu Padre, que ve lo que se hace en secreto, te recompensará.

Mis Pensamientos

A medida que Jesús nos enseña a cómo dar a otros, la oración y el ayuno, nos presentan un dilema. ¿Cómo puedo modelar estas disciplinas espirituales para aquellos a quienes estoy discipulando si solo puedo hacerlas en secreto? Aquí es donde entra en juego la diferencia entre principio y forma. Tenemos la forma o el método de estas tres disciplinas que se nos presentan como si se hicieran en secreto y, sin embargo, los 12 apóstoles de Jesús probablemente lo vieron haciendo las tres. Sabemos que los 12 sabían que Jesús hizo las tres cosas (orar, dar y ayunar) porque las registraron para nosotros en las Escrituras.

Dar a los pobres

Como Judas era el encargado del dinero, algunos pensaron que Jesús le estaba diciendo que comprara lo necesario para la fiesta o que diera algo a los pobres. (John 13:29)

La Oración

Después de que Jesús dijo esto, dirigió la mirada al cielo y oró así: Padre, ha llegado la hora. Glorifica a tu Hijo, para que tu Hijo te glorifique a ti, (John 17:1)

El Ayuno

Luego el Espíritu llevó a Jesús al desierto para ser tentado por el diablo. Después de ayunar cuarenta días y cuarenta noches, tuvo hambre.(Mateo 4:1-2)

¡Ahora, esto no es muy secreto! Pero ¿qué es lo que Jesús realmente estaba tratando de conseguir en el Sermón del Monte con sus advertencias de practicar estas disciplinas en secreto? ¿Él estaba diciendo: “Quiero decirles que nunca jamás, dejen que nadie los vea haciendo estas cosas?” Si realmente pensáramos así, estaríamos en pecado cada vez que practicamos la ofrenda corporativa, la oración y el ayuno (y muchas otras disciplinas espirituales)? Y Jesús mismo no hizo estas tres cosas en secreto cada vez.  Estoy bastante seguro de que no se estaba enfocando en la forma o el método. Él estaba señalando un principio más profundo: No te jactes de lo espiritual que eres. Este era el problema fundamental de los líderes religiosos de esa época. Para ellos todo era un espectáculo.

“¡Ay de ustedes, maestros de la Ley y fariseos, hipócritas!, que son como sepulcros blanqueados. Por fuera lucen hermosos, pero por dentro están llenos de huesos de muertos y de impurezas.  Así también ustedes, por fuera dan la impresión de ser justos, pero por dentro están llenos de hipocresía y de maldad.” (Matthew 23:27-28)

Por lo tanto, Jesús nos exhorta a practicar disciplinas espirituales en privado para evitar presumir frente a los demás y ciertamente debemos prestar atención a esta advertencia. Pero eso no significa que no podamos practicar la espiritualidad frente a la gente. Y una muy buena razón para permitir que las personas vean lo que estamos haciendo para relacionarnos con Dios es por modelar esto frente a las personas a las que estamos discipulando.

Mucho de esto tiene que ver con las actitudes del corazón. ¿Por qué estoy practicando estas disciplinas en presencia de otros? ¿Estoy presumiendo? ¿Hago la mayoría de mis disciplinas espirituales “bajo el radar” o simplemente en presencia de otros? ¿La calidad y la cantidad son las mismas o incluso más en privado o lo amplío para impresionar a la multitud? ¿Soy la misma persona en privado que en público? ¿Estoy ocultando las cosas oscuras del interior con las brillantes e hipócritas cosas del exterior?

Así que mi opinión sobre lo que Jesús está diciendo es: Practica la mayoría de tus disciplinas espirituales en secreto. No uses tu espiritualidad para impresionar a la gente. Guarda tus expresiones de gran devoción para Aquel que es el Gran Recompensador. Pero por supuesto, da el ejemplo modelando para aquellos a quienes tutoras.

Mi Historia

Divulgación completa: Hay algo dentro de mí que quiere que la gente sepa lo “espiritual” que soy. A mí me gusta decir: “La diferencia entre un buen fariseo y alguien malo es que el bueno sabe que es malo”. Así que no digo que no tenga la tentación de presumir. Tengo que resistir esta tentación con el mejor de ellos. Pero sí quiero modelar las disciplinas espirituales para aquellos a quienes tutoro. Y ahora sabes por qué estoy tan interesado en esta paradoja. 🙂 

Una de las formas en que he abordado el problema de la “demostración sin veneración” es asegurarme de que lo que hago en público es exactamente lo que hago en privado. No necesito declarar mi espiritualidad. No necesito exagerar mis prácticas. Ni siquiera necesito hacer esfuerzos para seguir a Jesús frente a la gente. Lo que ves es lo que es.

En segundo lugar, si tienes personas que pasan el rato contigo lo suficiente, van a ver cómo te relacionas con Jesús de una manera muy natural, cotidiana y consistente. Recientemente, Merari, una de las chicas de nuestra iglesia, me preguntó acerca de mi técnica de memorización de las Escrituras. Cito el pasaje que estoy memorizando en una aplicación de grabación en mi teléfono y luego verifico y veo qué tan bien lo hice citándolo. Lo hago día tras día y al mismo tiempo en la privacidad de mi hogar. Pero como ella pasa tanto tiempo en nuestra casa, me atrapó en una de mis disciplinas. El punto es que, si tienes personas a tu alrededor lo suficiente, eventualmente van a ver tu estilo de vida, incluyendo tu tiempo con Dios. Esta es una forma segura de modelar las disciplinas.

Finalmente, si vamos a obedecer la Gran Comisión y hacer discípulos de la manera en que Jesús lo hizo, el modelado es una gran parte del proceso. Vamos a tener que “mostrarle a la gente” y no solo “decirle a la gente” cómo practicar disciplinas espirituales. Necesitamos mostrar intencionalmente a las personas lo que hacemos en nuestra relación con Dios. Hace solo un par de semanas, Deb y yo modelamos para un grupo de médicos del Ejército cómo pasar el tiempo diario con Jesús al “mostrarles” cómo hacíamos el nuestro. ¡El modelado es indispensable! ¿Cuántas veces se le ha dicho a la gente que lea su Biblia y ore todos los días solo para fracasar miserablemente porque no sabían qué hacer? Me alegra informar que los cuatro médicos terminaron el Evangelio de Marcos y están avanzando hacia otros libros de la Biblia.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora veremos algunas ideas sobre cómo mantener la tensión entre el secreto y el modelado.

–          Haz una evaluación honesta de tu corazón. ¿Cómo y por qué practicas disciplinas espirituales frente a la gente?

–          ¿Las personas a las que estás discipulando están practicando disciplinas espirituales de una manera transformadora? De lo contrario, es posible que debes modelar más.

–          ¿Los hombres y mujeres a los que estás discipulando luchan por presumir, tienen miedo de modelar o están manejando bien la tensión entre el secreto y el modelaje?

 Como hacedores de discípulos, estamos constantemente evaluando el corazón y las acciones. El carácter detrás de las disciplinas espirituales es tan importante como hacerlas. Y es igual de importante modelarlos para un discipulado efectivo.