Have We Become a 'Mathetes'?

Larry Siegle
01/14/24 - Sun AM

Link to sermon video: Have We Become a 'Mathetes'? - L Siegle

Have We Become a ‘Mathetes’?

(Matt. 28:18-20)

Thesis:  God has invited each of us to become genuine ‘disciples’ of Jesus Christ and to learn how to walk as He walked.

INTRODUCTION

1.  The title of this message is, “Have We Become a Methetes?”

2.  This is a question that the majority of us have never been asked before… 

      a.   This Greek word is found 268 times in the NT, and is always descriptive of what it

            means to become a follower of Christ.

      b.  In our English translations we render the word as ‘disciple’—yet very rarely do we 

            ever look for a definition of what this word actually means.

      c.   While the generic definition of ‘mathetes’ is “a learner” and is from ‘manthano’ 

            which carries the idea of “intentional learning by both practice and observation”

            of the teacher.

      d.  A “disciple” is ‘one who comes under discipline for instruction in righteousness.’

3.  It is God’s desire that those who become “disciples” of Christ would follow “closely”

      in His very footsteps (I Pet. 2:21).

      a.   Going on a hike in the mountains where there is snow everywhere, the “guide”

            goes ahead of you, but you are able to see the “tracks” he leaves behind in the

            snow to follow.

      b.  Christ is calling upon those who would become His disciples to “walk as He 

            walked” (I John 2:6)—as HE is, so are we.

JESUS SET THE EXAMPLE (PATTERN) OF WHAT IT MEANS TO PLEASE GOD

1.  Jesus demonstrated in a real and powerful way what it means to live in a way that is

      pleasing to God (John 8:29).

2.  When we draw close to God, God draws close to us (James 4:8).

3.  To see Jesus was to look into the very face and to see the Father (John 14:9)

      a.   The qualities of kindness, love, and compassion in His dealings with others 

            demonstrate what God wants us to become.

            1)  The way Jesus ministered to one with leprosy (Mark 1:40, 41).

            2)  The way Jesus ministered to the lady who had suffered for 12 years (Mark 

                  5:25-34).—she grabbed the hem of his garment and Jesus healed her.

            3)  The way Jesus showed compassion on those who suffered the loss of a loved

                   one (John 11:33-35).

FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CHRIST HELPS US AVOID DISTRACTIONS

1.  It is so easy for us to become distracted by the things of this world, but following in

      the footsteps of Christ is a preventative measure against such distractions—

      problems, situations, and circumstances.

      a.   Jesus never promised His disciples there would never be any challenges, but He

            did leave us the example of what it means to be an overcomer (John 16:33)

      b.  Understanding that Jesus is who He said He is, is the very basis of being 

            victorious (I John 5:5).

FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CHRIST BRINGS ETERNAL LIFE

1.  The Bible uses the illustration of a Good Shepherd those “sheep” follow Him

      because they have learned the sound of His voice (John 10:24-29)

      a.   There is a genuine sense of assurance that a “disciple” has in trusting the nature

            and goodness of Christ as our Shepherd

      b.  We identify as a “mathetes” (disciple) and we can see how God provided for the 

            nation of Israel as He guided them and provided for them every step of the way.

      c.   The Old Covenant law was pictured as a “tutor” (bad translation)— paidago?gos

            school master, trainer, tutor)—but more intimate in nature as one who would lead a

            child by the hand and take an active part in leading and guiding him in the right

            direction.

2.   God has provided disciples with “all things which pertain to life and godliness” (II Pet.

      1:3).

CONCLUSION

1.   Have each of us here today done what is necessary to become a genuine “mathetes” (a

      disciple) equipped for every good work?

2.   Are we listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd as He leads us and guides us to the

      “living waters” that flow from the gates of the New Jerusalem today?

3.   Are we partaking of the fruit of the trees of life that God has given each of us access to?

4.   Do we have the “blessed assurance” in knowing that God loves us and cares for our

      needs?