10-20-24 What Do Disciples of Jesus Look Like?

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What Do Disciples of Jesus Look Like?

I want to start with something funny that I found an internet site: There was once a strongman at a circus sideshow who demonstrated his incredible strength before a crowd. Toward the end of his performance, he squeezed the juice from a lemon with his bare hands and said, “I’ll give $200 to anyone who can squeeze another drop out of this lemon.” A frail older woman hobbled up to the stage, picked up the lemon, and squeezed out a teaspoon of juice. Amazed, the strongman paid her the $200 and privately asked, “What’s the secret of your strength?” She replied, “Practice. I’ve been the treasurer of my church for 42 years!”

This funny story reminds me of how much we rely on the dedication and service of our lay leaders, especially after celebrating Laity Sunday. It was such a wonderful day as we shared and honored the work of lay ministry. Without all of you, church ministries wouldn’t happen. I deeply appreciate your faithful and sincere service. Even though we didn’t hear directly from our treasurers on Laity Sunday, they shared their contributions during our meeting about the 2025 budget. Their work reminds me of squeezing a lemon that’s already been squeezed dry! Despite the challenges of managing a tight budget, they handle it well, keeping our administrative life running smoothly. I truly appreciate all our church leaders and everyone who follows their example.

Reflecting on Laity Sunday, I couldn’t help but think about the disciples of Jesus. What do they look like? Today’s Scripture shows us what Jesus wanted His disciples to be, and it’s still relevant to us. I sometimes wonder how lonely Jesus must have felt, even with the twelve disciples around Him. They often misunderstood Him, looked in different directions, or dreamed of things far removed from Jesus’ mission.

Let’s take a closer look at today’s Scripture. After Jesus shared His final mission with the disciples — that He would suffer, be betrayed, die, and rise again — they were still preoccupied with thoughts of power and status. Right after Jesus talked about His death, they asked Him, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” Jesus responded, “What is it you want me to do for you?” They replied, “Grant us to sit, one at Your right hand and one at Your left, in Your glory” (Mark 10:35-37). Can you imagine how Jesus must have felt? Here He was, speaking of His imminent suffering, and they were concerned about their positions in what they believed would be a glorious earthly kingdom.

However, instead of reprimanding them, Jesus patiently explained, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” (Mark 10:38). They confidently replied, “We are able.” But they didn’t realize what they were agreeing to. The “cup” Jesus spoke of referred to His suffering and death, and the “baptism” referred to His persecution. When Jesus prayed at Gethsemane, He asked God to take this cup from Him, yet He surrendered to God’s will. Jesus prayed, “Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36). The cup symbolized the death He would endure on the cross.

James and John, like the other disciples, eventually took up the challenge. James became the first apostle to be martyred, as we read in Acts 12:2, while John was exiled to the island of Patmos under Roman Emperor Domitian (81–96 AD), where he lived out his days. In a sense, they did become Jesus’ “right and left hands,” playing pivotal roles in the early church after Jesus ascended (Acts 1:9).

Returning to the Scripture, Jesus gives us a profound message while His disciples were busy arguing about who would be the greatest. Jesus said, “You know that among the Gentiles, those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45).

This is the core message of Mark’s Gospel: We are to be different from the world’s idea of greatness. Jesus came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a sacrifice for many. This is what He taught His disciples then, and what He continues to teach us today. Being a disciple of Jesus means living a life of service, just as He did.

In today’s world, we sometimes face challenges in following Jesus and fulfilling our church’s mission to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” But have you ever thought about what a disciple of Jesus looks like today? When we think of disciples, we often imagine the twelve apostles from the Bible. But in truth, we are the disciples of Jesus. We are called to be His faithful followers in our everyday lives.

In John 13:34-35, Jesus gives us a new commandment: “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.” So, if you love others, you are a disciple of Jesus. Even if you never declare, “I am a disciple of Jesus,” people will know by your love.

Of course, love isn’t just a feeling; it’s an action. It’s something people notice. There’s a saying: “There are two things people can’t hide — a cough and love.” We all know it’s impossible to hide a cough, but why love? Because when you love someone, it shows in your actions. You smile more, forgive easily, and become more generous. Love transforms people.

Let me share a personal story. My mother was baptized at age 10 by an American missionary in a tent church. She learned to read and write in both English and Korean through Sunday school because, as a girl, she wasn’t allowed formal education. Later, when my grandfather refused to let me attend high school because I was a girl, my mother took a bold step. She moved us out of his house, and I had to live independently as a teenager.

I watched my mother struggle as a daughter-in-law, wife, and mother in a patriarchal society, and I questioned why she suffered even though she believed in God. For a long time, I had a negative view of Christianity. But then I met a Christian friend in high school. She often invited me to her house, shared her food, and gave me school supplies. She even took me to church, where she played Christian songs on the piano. She never pressured me to go to church, but her love and care made a difference in my life.

Years later, after I became a minister and planted a church, I invited her and her husband to visit. Her husband said, “Since we started dating, my wife always prayed for you. It’s incredible to see you as a minister now.” My friend told me, “I prayed for you for 17 years. God answered my prayers.” Her love and prayers made a lasting impact, even when I didn’t realize it.

Love cannot be hidden. Even if the person you love doesn’t recognize it, God sees it. Our prayers may take longer than we expect, but God never forgets them. Love makes God real to us and others.

So, let’s love in action. Serve others with your hands and feet. The loose change in your pocket can feed hundreds. The clothes and blankets in your closet can help those in need. When faced with challenges, ask, “Lord, what should I do as Your disciple?” God will guide you. Thanks be to God. Amen!