Teaching Disciples

1 Seeing the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and when He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 And he opened His mouth and taught them, saying. . . .

(Matthew 5:1-2, ESV)

In this passage there is a distinction between the crowds and Yeshua’s disciples. Notice that not everyone who is in the crowd is a disciple. Who is a disciple? According to Merriam-Webster, a disciple is “one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: as (a) one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ’s followers according to the Gospel accounts, (b) a convinced adherent of a school or individual.” A disciple is a learner.

Though in His ministry many followed Yeshua, not all were disciples. At one point He seemed to have had about seventy or so until He declared some harsh truths and they were offended and left, leaving The Twelve (John 6:66). It would seem that it was Simon Peter, Andrew his brother, James and John (sons of Zebedee) who comprised the list at that time, from chapter 4 verses 18-22 . However many or few they were, “His disciples came to Him.” They separated themselves from the crowds.

Note what the Messiah did: He taught them. They came to Him and He taught them. There are many examples in the Gospels where similar occurrences are stated or suggested. For example, in Matthew 13 He spoke in parables to the crowd (vv. 1-9). However, when His disciples came to Him (v. 10) they asked Him why He spoke to the crowd in parables. He told them “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given” ( v.11). He also told them, “But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it” (vv. 16-17). And what did He do afterwards? He explained the parable to them (vv. 18-23, 36-43) and gave them additional ones ( vv. 44-52). He even asked if they understood (v. 51 ) as any great and concerned teacher should.

Are you a disciple or are you just part of the crowd? Have you taken the time to sit at His feet and learn of Him? He invites you to do so (Matthew 11:28-30). I think of Mary who separated herself from the household chores, and sat at His feet to learn, despite the protest from her sister Martha. What did Yehshua say about Mary? “. . . but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:2). Beloved ones, while many are concerned about making a few extra dollars, meeting deadlines, and pursuing educational advancement and professional promotion, one thing is absolutely necessary and permanent: the truth from Yehshua’s lips. No one can take that away, because His words are spirit and life (John 6:63); they embed themselves in our spirits. No man can touch it there.

When the larger portion of Yeshua’s following had left, He asked The Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” (v. 67). What was Simon Peter’s response? “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God” (vv. 68-69). That’s it: He has the words of eternal life.

I urge you to make the time to sit at the Messiah’s feet in deep humility and learn from Him as a true disciple. As you learn His words you will also learn His character and will find that His character begins to form in you. You will be transformed (Romans 12:2).

Yah bless you!

March 30, 2016