At this, then, many of His disciples came away, dropping behind, and walked no longer with Him.
John 6: 66, Concordant New Testament
One of my favorite shows on the life of Jesus is the Chosen series. You cannot watch this series without getting a good perspective of what life with Jesus might have been like. Growing up, I would often watch the old Christmas and Easter movies which portrayed Jesus with His loyal group of disciple followers. But is this is good depiction of the everyday life of the disciples? I would say no. A good friend pointed out to me the other day that Jesus' disciples were indeed a "mixed bag" of those who believed in the born Christ and those who were not so certain. Indeed, the ranks of these disciples were filled with men who were loyal to Jesus and some who were not so much. The apostle John tells of more than a few of Jesus' followers who simply walked away from Him {John 6:66}. We can assume many reasons for this happening. Some may have had other responsibilities while others simply thought that this self-proclaimed Messiah was not who He claimed to be after all. Despite turning away from Jesus, John continues to refer to them as disciples. John also relates that not all of His followers were believers {John 6:64}. Perhaps these few followers simply were finding fellowship with Jesus? Whatever the case may be, Jesus certainly knew that not all of His followers were towing the line. Of course, He did not treat them differently but continued in His teaching to the disciples as a whole. So, what in the heck does this have to do with Christianity today? Simple, when it comes to Christian community, we will always have those among us who are not totally sold on the entire Jesus idea. I have seen this personally in my time with different groups. There are those who have been hardcore religious believers while others have sought out a community of believers simply because they were curious and desired more for their life. Politicians might spout sound bites about being "Inclusive," but it may be hard to find a more inclusive group than that of believers in Jesus. The apostle Paul calls upon us to bear one-another's burdens {Galatians 6:2}. True community is certainly a mixed bag.
Contributing to the needs of the saints, pursuing hospitality. Bless those who are persecuting you: bless, and do not curse, so as to be rejoicing with those rejoicing, lamenting with those lamenting. Being mutually disposed to one another, not being disposed to that which is high, but being led away to the humble. Do not come to pass with prudent with yourselves. To no one render evil for evil, making ideal provision in the sight of all men, if possible that which comes out of yourselves. Being at peace with all mankind.
Romans 12: 13-18, Concordant New Testament
Have you ever felt out of place in a so called "church community group?" I've certainly been there. I've been on the outside looking in as I was told by church hierarchy that it was probably best if I did not join their group. Let me tell you, that hurt me. When you walk into a church community that touts a "come as you are" attitude, only to discover that you're not wanted. It hurts. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that Christians have received such a bad reputation from those around us. Indeed, we are all too often seen as pious, religious and unwelcoming. I get it. As I've said, this IS NOT true community. True community, as the Father intends it to be, is a true come as you are attitude. It is the Father who will always accept those who return again to Him. Likewise, we are called upon to accept those who come broken to Christ as well {Romans 12:13-18}. If for one second you have misgivings about accepting a broken person into your group of community, think of the condition you found yourself in when the Father sent His Son to suffer in your place {2 Corinthians 5:21}. How boring would a group of all believers be? Nobody needing the saving words of Jesus? Nobody longing to feel His forgiveness? If we consider ourselves to be an exclusive community, what of the broken who desire to find Jesus? The exclusive, country club model of church community flies in the face of what the Father intends for His children. The Fathers desire still holds true for all, come as you are.
For even as, in one body, we have many members, yet all the members have not the same function, thus we, who are many, are one body in Christ, yet individually members of one another.
Romans 12: 4-5, Concordant New Testament
~Scott~
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