“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15

Being a disciple of Jesus is a lifelong adventure. Like any learning role, it begins as a student/teacher relationship. The rabbi has selected his students and now the lessons begin. Unlike today’s schooling, the Jewish rabbi of the first century operated differently. He would meet outside the classroom and teach through life’s everyday routines. Jesus was no different in that format.

Most rabbis had a high academic bar for selecting their students. They would not allow you to sit with them unless you met their standard. In the first century, this meant you had to repeat per verbatim from memory the entire first five books of the Bible. It is estimated that only one out of every ten thousand would qualify. Jesus’ selection process was somewhat different. He didn’t select his students based on their mental acumen or elite status. He invited all to follow HIM if they wanted to learn. But it was from this disciple group HE selected twelve for more intense training. They became the apostles. And HE specifically chose them only after conversing with HIS Father.

Unlike today’s academic setting, the student’s training was both academic and hands-on. They listened at the feet of their teacher, and didn’t have to take academic tests. Instead, they went on missionary field trips. There they put into practice the Lord’s teachings and saw the fruit of their efforts. It was all hands-on. In a sense it was a small group master-level training class.

They became known as apostles because the twelve learned directly from Jesus. They then replicated the process. They also selected students who they would pass on their learning. Thus, we have our early church fathers who learned from the apostle’s feet. They then continue to replicate the process.

What made this process so effective was the emphasis on relationship over task – being over doing. Jesus himself would emphasize his relationship with HIS father. He then showed the strength of that relationship through the good works HE performed. Though HE would share the knowledge of God’s Kingdom with them, HIS focus was always on the heart of the issue. HIS last prayer emphasized the intimate relationship between HIM, HIS Father, and disciples. In today’s Scripture, HE again emphasized the relationship with them. Not as teacher/student, master/servant, boss/employee, but as friend/friend.

The three-plus-years-experience of the disciples with Jesus is a great lesson of discipleship. They realize being with Jesus was more rewarding than the work one does for Jesus. That wherever one goes, Jesus is already there, because HE is always with you. As one practices the way of discipleship, one learns to live with Jesus rather than just do work for Jesus. The joy of living is greater when one shares the time and space, and process with Jesus. And allow HIM to share HIMSELF with you.

The apostles were happiest being with Jesus wherever they went. They marveled at HIS work, HIS words, HIS actions. They couldn’t get enough of HIM. They wanted HIM as their friend; but hesitated because of the Rabbi/Learner role they shared. But this night, Jesus broke down the wall, and called them friends.

As disciples we will go through a similar process. HE will always be the Rabbi. We will always be the student. But one day, HE and you will both become friends. Welcome to being with Jesus.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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