22 - The Cost of Discipleship

Roundtable Discussion on the New Testament

Participants

  • Andrew Skinner (Host, Department of Ancient Scripture, Brigham Young University)

  • Professor Kent Brown (Ancient Scripture)

  • Professor David Whitchurch (Ancient Scripture)

  • Professor Brent Top (Department of Church History and Doctrine)

John's Gospel - Key Themes and Context

  • Location and Ministry of Jesus:

    • John 10:40-42 describes Jesus' ministry beyond the Jordan.

    • Significance: The setting at the time of Passover reveals the importance of Jesus' teachings and parables.

Discussion Point: Purian Parables (Luke 12 - 18)

  • Focuses primarily on wealth and priorities.

  • Examples include:

    • Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10)

    • Friend at Midnight (Luke 11)

    • Rich Young Man (Luke 12)

    • Foolish Rich Man (Luke 12)

    • Parables of the Fig Tree, Mustard Seed, Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Prodigal Son, Unjust Steward, Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16)

    • Parable of the Unprofitable Servant (Luke 17)

Luke as a Documenter of Wealth

  • Observation: Luke, a physician likely of means, highlights the theme of wealth.

  • Message: The need to prioritize the Kingdom of God over material wealth.

Significant Themes in the Purian Parables

  • Discipleship: Understanding what it means to follow Christ.

  • End Times and Judgment:

    • How believers respond to worldly offerings vs. the Gospel.

    • Rewards for living according to God's laws.

  • Caution About Wealth:

    • Wealth can distract from spiritual priorities.

Key Parables for Teaching

Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16)

  • Narrative Overview:

    • An unjust steward is dismissed for mismanagement but acts shrewdly to secure favors.

  • Jesus' Commentary: He commends the steward's cleverness (not deceitfulness) for his intensity in seeking his future security.

  • Moral:

    • Disciples should exhibit the same zeal for spiritual matters as the steward did for his temporal welfare.

    • Mentioned verses:

    • Luke 16:8: "The Lord commended the unjust steward because he had done wisely. For the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light."

  • Cautionary Note: Beware of adopting unjust practices even in the pursuit of cleverness.

Parable of the Great Supper (Luke 14)

  • Context:

    • Jesus' interaction with a chief Pharisee and discussions about who should be guests in the Kingdom of God.

  • Message:

    • God's grace extends to those who are often marginalized; true righteousness matters more than social status or pedigree.

    • Contrast to the self-righteous attitudes of the Pharisees; those who reject the invitation will find their seats taken by the outcasts.

Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge (Luke 18)

  • Narrative Overview:

    • A persistent widow secures justice through her determination with an unjust judge.

  • Moral:

    • Importance of humility in prayer and reliance on God.

    • Faith leads to persistence.

  • Publican and the Pharisee:

    • A contrasting prayer showing humility and a reliance on God's mercy.

Rich Young Ruler (Luke 18)

  • Narrative Overview:

    • A wealthy young man asks Jesus about eternal life and is told to sell all he has.

  • Message:

    • True discipleship may require sacrifice of worldly possessions.

    • The challenge of being too bound by wealth.

Cross-Connections with Other Teachings

  • Similar Themes:

    • Temptation of Wealth: Jesus warns against the influence of wealth on spiritual life (serving God vs. mammon).

    • Zeal and Humility: The balance of pursuing divine priorities diligently while remaining humble before God.

    • Call to Convert Attitudes: Emphasis on a transformation of priorities from worldly to godly focuses.

Importance of Childlike Faith (Luke 18:15-17)

  • Context: Jesus encourages children and emphasizes that like children, we must become humble to enter the Kingdom.

  • Message:

    • Discipleship involves an openness and trust akin to that of children.

Conclusion

  • Masterful Teaching Method: Jesus exemplifies using relatable stories to illustrate profound doctrines.

  • Overall Message: Spiritual health requires a balance of zeal, commitment, and humility, centered on the example and teachings of Jesus.

Acknowledgments

  • Appreciation expressed for participation and insights during the roundtable discussion.