The Importance of Discipleship

John 12:1-11
After the raising of Lazarus from the dead, many people begin to put their faith in Jesus.  We see this in the life of Mary, who anoints Jesus with oil after witnessing the miracle (vs. 3).  We also see many coming to Jesus on account of Lazarus and his testimony (vs. 11).  It is incredible to see the fruit already being born from the witness of these individuals.  They have truly experienced life and been born again, and now they are testifying to it and leading others to life, literally raising these individuals from the dead.  Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and these people are passing it on to others.  But there is another aspect to consider that comes along with this new life: that of immediate opposition.  We see it in the life of Mary, as Judas denounces her act of anointing Jesus (vs. 4).  We also see this in the life of Lazarus as the religious leaders decide he must be eliminated on account of his testimony (vs. 10-11).  When we follow in obedience to Christ's command to tell others, as stated in Matthew 28:19, we must not forget his second command in verse 20: teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.  This is just as essential as the first command to go and tell, especially in light of the struggles and attacks, both inward and outward, that will inevitably come.  Why else would he include both if not equally important?  The argument will be raised that as long as we lead them to Christ, ensuring their future heavenly destination, then they are set, and all is well.  But remember Jesus' words in John 10:11-13, telling us that a shepherd who abandons the flock is in reality not a shepherd at all.  He is nothing more than a hired hand, who is a thief and robber (vs. 8).  A true shepherd, one who had the Good Shepherd dwelling within him, lays down his life for the sheep.  How can we ever think that simply leading them to Christ and then abandoning them to live this life on their own, to figure things out by themselves, is true Christianity?  That is nowhere close to resembling what Jesus did.  Nowhere are we commanded to simply make converts and then leave them to their own.  Paul tells of one planting a seed, but one also that waters the seed (I Corinthians 3:6-7).  The seed must be planted but also watered.  For when seed is planted, opposition will immediately arise, and these people, who have no root yet, must be watered and cultivated.  Jesus warns that the world will hate us because of him (John 15:18-20).  We are told that persecution will become ordinary (II Timothy 3:12).  We will be kicked out of the church (Matthew 10:17) and our families will turn against us (Matthew 10:21).  When we lead people to Christ, not only are they given true life, but also hardship, difficulty and persecutions.  From the moment they put their trust in Christ, the enemy will mark down their name and send opposition their way.  He will test them and try them and tempt them.  He will attack and raid their lives.  If they have no root then they will either be snatched away by the enemy, or driven away by persecution, or lured away by the pleasures of the world (Luke 8:11-14).  This is our gift to those God converts through us.  They are given life, along with hardship, struggle and difficulty.  When we read Paul's encouragements offered in II Corinthians 4:8-10, do not neglect the hardships associated with the encouragements.  Although pressing on and enduring to the glory of God, we will be struck down, afflicted in every way, perplexed, persecuted, carrying around the death of Jesus.  To abandon them using the excuse of God is sovereign so He will ensure their development, or He is the only one who can protect them so what use am I is to neglect our duty, our privilege, his very command to us.  All those statements are true, but yet and still, he commands us to be the ones to carry out those responsibilities.  Will we ignore the design of the body of Christ described in I Corinthians 12 or Hebrews 13:3?  Jesus is our Great High Priest, who forever lives to intercede on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25), shall we not do the likewise?