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What Does a Disciple Do?

A disciple submits to the authority of Jesus

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” MATTHEW 2:1-6 ESV

At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, PHILIPPIANS 2:10-11 NIV

A disciple worships the person of Jesus

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. MATTHEW 2:7-11 ESV

“Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus. JOHN 9:38 NLT

Worship can be personal but also must be public

A disciple gives generously to the mission of Jesus

Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. MATTHEW 2:11 ESV

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-7 NLT

A disciple is aware of those who would harm their relationship with Jesus

And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. The Flight to Egypt. Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation,  Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they care no more.” MATTHEW 2:12-18 ESV

A disciple is constantly tracking with the movement of Jesus

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. “Get up!” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.” So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother. But when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod’s son Archelaus, he was afraid to go there. Then, after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee. So the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: “He will be called a Nazarene.” MATTHEW 2:19-23 ESV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place that allows you to spend some undistracted time with Jesus reflecting on what a disciple does. Ask Him to calm your thoughts and feelings. Take a few deep breaths, and go for a walk if you think this will help. When you are ready, commit the time to Jesus for His purposes. Picture what it looks like to submit to the authority of Jesus as His disciple. How have you submitted to the authority of Jesus and to what extent does your life demonstrate this commitment? Ask Jesus if He wants you to make any changes in the way you worship Him, or in your giving to His mission. Ask Him to bring to your mind anyone in your life that negatively affects your relationship to Him and being His disciple. What do you think He wants you to do about this relationship? Where do you see a movement of Jesus in your life, and are you tracking with Him? Is there a step He has led you to take? Have a conversation with Him about any action He wants you to take this week to change the way you worship, your giving, a relationship, or anything else that is hindering your growth as a disciple. Commit this action to God and ask for His help in trusting Him and in taking the action. Thank Him for what He is going to do (Psalm 37:5).

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering a couple options for how to discuss the sermon and scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 2:1-23 (NLT) out loud.
2. Explore the Theme. What is the main point or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity?
3. Ask God. How do we apply this passage to our lives today? How might God be encouraging or challenging you?
4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on this passage?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: What fascinates you?
  2. START HERE: Have ever experienced a time when you were desperate for a cure? What was that like, and how did it affect your faith in God?
  3. START HERE: What does the word ‘submission’ mean to you?
  4. KEEP GOING: Where do you struggle in submitting to the authority of Jesus?
  5. KEEP GOING: What are the benefits and challenges of trusting a God we can’t control?
  6. KEEP GOING: How does your worship of Jesus need to change–at church gatherings and in everyday life?
  7. KEEP GOING: Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NLT). How does your giving to God’s mission compare to your giving to other things, like your hobbies? (not just the amount, but the level of joy you experience)
  8. KEEP GOING: Who are the people who could be a danger to your call as a disciple of Jesus?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: God is moving at Sandals Church. Where is He challenging you to “get up” and join in?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: How do you discern where Jesus is leading you when life gets complicated or you're facing the unknown?