Seeds of Discipleship **SERMON 4 July 2021**

Canon Whitney was with us the other week to talk about discipleship and the often dreaded “e” word..  If you were unable to join us, here are a few highlights.

Ø  Evangelism is not what we think it is.  What we usually think of as “evangelism” is based on fear, threats, intimidation, and judgment.  That is actually spiritual violence;

Ø  In the middle of the word evangelism is the word “angel.”  Frequently the first words angels say in the Bible is “do not be afraid,” or “fear not.”  Angels are about reducing stress and fear;

Ø  There is a lot to stress out about and to fear, especially right now.  Our job is to help reduce the stress and fear of others by sharing with them the good news that God loves them;

Ø  Canon Whitney suggests that a better definition of evangelism is “journeying together through the good news of Jesus Christ.”

Here, in our Gospel reading, Jesus sends out the 12.  He calls them to do the work of evangelism.  Jesus gives them the authority to cast out demons and to preach repentance.  Jesus calls them to be active participants, sharing His God-given mission and ministry.  No longer are Jesus’ followers passive bystanders.  The 12 are sent as ambassadors, to prepare the way for Jesus’ later visit.

Jesus sends the 12 with some strange instructions:

“Don’t think you need a lot of extra equipment for this.  You re the equipment.  No special appeals for funds.  Keep it simple.  And no luxury inns.  Get a modest place and be content there until you leave.  If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw.  Don’t make a scene.  Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.”  (vs.8 -11; MSG)

Talk about fear!  What was that Canon Whitney said again about reducing fear??  And, certainly, we can understand the hesitation and anxiety.  Jesus’ followers have just seen Him rejected in Nazareth.  You would think that of all places, Jesus would get a warm welcome from His home village!  And here Jesus sends them out in His name.  No pressure there, right?

Let’s look at what Jesus’ friends have:

·       the companionship of a fellow follower

·       the authority of Jesus, who Himself was sent by God

·       God’s faithful provision for food and shelter

·       Jesus’ teachings

·       Stories of Jesus’ healings

·       Their own stories of how Jesus changed their lives

You and I walk in the footsteps of Jesus’ first followers.  Jesus sends you and me into the world to share God’s love.  “Journeying together” can be as simple as:

As sharing how God has answered a prayer with a friend over a cup of joe;

As taking a few of the doorknob hangers and spreading them around your neighborhood.

As praying with a coworker whose significant other is battling cancer;

A lot of extra skills and knowledge are not needed.  As The Message paraphrase reminds us, “you (and me) are the equipment.”  And, yes, just like Jesus and His first followers, we may face rejection at times.  And, just like Jesus and the disciples, you and I we are called to press on and keep going.  We never know what seeds may have been planted by our words or deeds of kindness.  As Paul reminds the Corinthians: “I planted.  Apollos watered.  But God, God gave the increase.”  (I Corinthians 3:6)