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DoubtLess Faith is beginning our new seasonal workshop series this fall on popular arguments against Christianity. Each workshop will be held in two locations, one in Jacksonville and one in Orlando. Our first workshop will be on the question "Does God Exist?" where we will show how to discuss the existence of the Biblical God with someone who doesn't believe the Bible is reliable. The first set will be in September and we have a limited number of spaces at each location. Details can be found on the website at: http://workshops.doubtlessfaith.com/ The cost is $15 per workshop to pay for materials. Register early to reserve your spot! We look forward to seeing you there!
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DIGGING DEEPER
John 1:35-51
This week’s passage conveys the narrative of the first disciples of Jesus of Nazareth. Some were actively seeking out a spiritual leader. Some were more concerned with their secular lives. Jesus’ message to each of these men resonated with them and they all chose to follow Him and learn from Him. These men, in essence, gave up their careers and placed God before family and friends in order to absorb all that Jesus was willing to give to them. They heeded the call.
How daunting of a decision! Their families depended upon them for their very survival. The men tilled the ground, cared for the livestock, and crafted items and built towns. How would the women and children survive if the husbands and fathers left them to follow Jesus? How could Jesus encourage the men to behave so irresponsibly?
The answer is, He wouldn’t. Jesus had the families covered, but John does not include all of the details in his book as they were already addressed in other books written prior to his account. Luke records in his narrative how Jesus provided for the disciples’ families in chapter 5. He wrote,
"And [Jesus] got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little way from the land. And He sat down and began teaching the people from the boat. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.'
"Simon answered and said, 'Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.' When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink.[…] When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him" (Luke 5:3-7,11 NASB).
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Jesus did not leave the families destitute while the husbands left everything to follow him. He provided for their families with a miraculous catch of fish. His disciples trusted Him and He provided for them. Such is the result of total devotion.
Further, His first disciples were not forever estranged from their families. After Jesus’ earthly ministry concluded, tradition related that Peter’s wife accompanied him on some of his journeys; other disciples’ families may have done likewise. Once the disciples were equipped, they and their families were sent out to minister to the world.
How does this apply to us today? Like his initial twelve disciples, Jesus continues to invite everyone to become His disciples today. Should we expect Jesus to treat His 21st century disciples any different than his 1st century disciples? If we are devoted to following Jesus, even if it means temporarily leaving our families, He will provide for them while we are being equipped. He has a role for all to fill in His master plan. Your role may include travel or ministering right near your home. Either way, if we are devoted to Him, He will provide. By heeding the call, Jesus provided for His initial disciples. Jesus invites us to heed His call today. Be assured He will satisfy your needs when you are also heeding the call.
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Text By: Kyle Clark
Photo: http://www.pagadiandiocese.org/2016/02/06/readings-reflections-with-cardinal-tagles-video-fifth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-c-st-colette-february-72016/
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