How Followers Follow Christ

How Faithful Followers Follow.

Luke 10:1-24

I want to start by showing you a clip from the movie Sister Act. It is probably one of the most inspiring scenes in the movie as they declare, in song, their desire to follow Jesus.

In Luke 10 we find out that “following Jesus”, involves more than just singing a song. Here we read about 72 unnamed people Jesus sent on temporary mission trips into the towns where Jesus was going to go. Let’s look at the guidance Jesus gives to his faithful followers. I believe his guidance to them is applicable to us as well. Faithful followers…

1. Go! . . . together. Luke 10:1-3

" . . . the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town & place where he was about to go. He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.’"

Jesus told 72 of his followers to do ministry by going out 2 by 2. Do ministry together. Don’t be a loner. It’s easier and more effective to team up with other Christians. I hope you noticed that Jesus’ concept of ministry does not limit it to the paid professionals. Everyone is called to represent him. Jesus knew it could get tough. As faithful followers invaded enemy territory (v17), they would be like “lambs among wolves” (10:3). So, find other Christians at work, at school, in the community and become a spiritual team. And don’t forget to pray: “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (v2) Faithful followers, Go! . . . together!

2. Some travel light - others Provide Support. Luke 10:4

To the travelers Jesus says: "Do not take a purse or bag or sandals.." They should not be weighted down with numerous provisions. The followers were to learn to trust God for food, protection and shelter.

I read this about a Jacksonville, OR man who was slowly recovering his possessions after people ransacked his home in response to a pair of Craigslist ads. The ads said the homeowner was preparing to move and that everything was for the taking. Robert Salisbury returned home to find nearly 30 people rummaging through his stuff. He also saw cars filled to the brim with his possessions driving away. Some of the stuff has been slowly showing back up at the house after police offered amnesty to anyone who returns Salisbury's possessions.

Don’t misunderstand Jesus! He wasn’t forbidding shoes or purses or overnight bags or furnature. These followers were going out for a short time. He was just telling us that life is better if we travel light.

Supporters support: God has called some to go and “travel light”. Others have the responsibility to support & care for their material needs. Some are called to go and others are called to provide adequate support for those who do go.

3. Stay focused. Lk 10:4 " . . . do not greet anyone on the road."

Jesus is warning them against becoming distracted from the task Jesus gave them. If Jesus were saying this today he would probably say, "Keep your eye on the ball!" If you’re looking at other players, talking to the umpire, or waving at your friends in the stands you’ll probably strike out.

Lots of people miss out in life because they won’t stay focused. Don’t get distracted. Stay focused.

4. Bless others Lk 10:5-6

"When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you."

When you enter someone’s home, bless them. The “blessing” involves the invocation of God’s goodwill on them. Such great advice for us all - - - always be a blessing to others.

Verse 9 says they were to bless others through a special ability to heal. This gift appears to have been given for that unique period of time. We believe God can and does heal using both medicine and prayer. Healing can & should be prayed for, as James 5:13–18 suggests.

If the people you bless don’t want to be blessed, the blessing will bounce back to you. This is like a greeting card or e-mail message, which can’t be delivered & is returned to you. You’re sad it wasn’t accepted but it’s good that you offered a blessing even if it was rejected. Bless others!

5. Are content with what they get, even as they give. Lk 10:7-8

"Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you.Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’"

Jesus was talking about those times when his followers were guests in the homes of others. He told them to be content wherever they were staying and not to keep moving from house to house until they got a better place to stay. Be grateful for food, for clothes, for where you live, for what you drive, for where you work. Be content with what you get.

6. Give priority to the responsive. Luke 10:10-17

In Luke 10:10-17 Jesus talked about the opposition his followers would face as they shared the love of Jesus. Jesus referred to those situations " when you enter a town & are NOT welcomed." Jesus says that when that happens, don’t take it personally, just leave and move on. The principle here is quite simple. Focus time and energy on those who are responsive.

This is not to say that we shouldn’t be patient with people or pray for people who seem disinterested. It is to say that we shouldn’t invest too much energy to those who reject Jesus.

But, we are to invest most of our energy with those who are responsive. Teach those who want to learn. Train those who seek to be faithful followers of Jesus. Give priority to the responsive.

7. Stay humble and rejoice! Luke 10:18-20 "Jesus said: I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Jesus was probably referring to something that happened long ago, before the beginning of our history. Satan was a magnificent angel, perhaps the highest in heaven. He was more powerful, more intelligent and more important than any other creature. But, he became proud and rebelled against God. This angel was kicked out of heaven forever and Satan became the evil adversary of God. Jesus warns that Christians need to be careful of our attitude toward the blessings God gives to us. He gave his followers "authority to trample on snakes and scorpions” these appear to be symbols of the presence of Satan.

Despite all this, Jesus urges the disciples to see that their power is not the major blessing. They should rejoice not so much because evil forces are subject to them, but Jesus says, "rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” If there is anything to be happy about it is not power, prestige or position - it is knowing that you are enrolled among heaven’s permanent citizens. Stay humble and rejoice!

Is your name written in down in heaven? Your name is written down in heaven the moment you put your trust in Jesus as Lord and receive Him by personal invitation.

8. Stay simple! Luke 10:21 ". . . Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘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 your good pleasure. ’"

We have another way of saying the same thing - - - "don’t be too smart for your own good”. We can read all the child-rearing books but ignore the simple parenting principles in the Bible. We can get graduate degrees in philosophy but ignore the basic truths of Jesus’ teachings.

Children aren’t usually that way. Their faith is simple & trust in God is uncomplicated. Jesus isn’t arguing for ignorance. He doesn’t want us to put our minds in neutral. But, he warns against getting so smart that we miss the point. Stay simple!

9. Keep their eyes on Jesus. Luke 10:22 "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

Jesus is telling us something really important here. He has a relationship with God-the-Father that is absolutely unique! Jesus knows God and God knows Jesus. God has committed all authority to Jesus. He is the Boss! The only way to know God is to know Jesus.

Think of Jesus the way you would think of the most important & powerful person you could know. Keep your eyes on him, follow him, and obey him. Remember to experience peace with God you must first experience Jesus. Keep your eyes on Jesus!

10. Count their blessings. Lk 10:23-24 "Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets & kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.’"

Christians have been blessed with a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We have assurance that our sins are forgiven, that our lives have purpose and that we are going to heaven. Yet, we too often take for granted God’s blessings on our lives. Take time to appreciate and thank God for all has given to you. In other words, count your blessings!

Conclusion: As faithful followers of Jesus, whichof theseten do you need to work on this week? Which of these has God said, “You need to work on that one ?” Listen again and decide.

Go! . . . together.

Some are to travel light and other support.

Stay focused.

Bless others.

Be content.

Give priority to the responsive.

Stay humble and rejoice!

Stay simple!

Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Count your blessings.

“You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep following Him.” (Col. 2:6 CEV)