43 A Lesson for a Disciple

A Lesson for a Disciple

A disciple is not above his teacher. Matthew 10. 24.

Woe be the school where the pupil is above the teacher. Nothing but confusion can come from such a place. The Lord Jesus, the greatest of all teachers, warns His pupils that they, too, will be tempted along this line. It hardly seems possible that frail human beings such as we should seek to be above our Lord and Master Jesus Christ.

A Christian is often tempted to dictate to Christ. This is especially true at a time of suffering, or when the way is rough. Then it is so easy to forget to pray, “Thy will be done,” and to demand that our desires be heeded. How easy then to assume that we know best, and to make of Him an errand boy. We do not mean to be discourteous and demanding, but we are so anxious to avoid suffering that we forget. We even forget that Christ forewarned us that we would have to suffer in His behalf. “Because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf” (Philippians 1. 29). Paul encouraged suffering believers, saying, “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward” (Romans 8. 18). May we ever remember our place as disciples and pray for grace to say with Paul, “I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (1 Cor. 12. 10).

A Christian is often tempted to seek better treatment from the world than Christ receives. This is indeed a subtle temptation. Why should we expect that those who have already rejected Christ will receive us? Are we to be above our Master, and receive honor and praise from those who have already rejected and cursed Him? Did not Christ say: “A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also” (John 15. 20)? How selfish, then, for anyone who professes to be a disciple of Christ to seek to be above Him! May we take to heart the words of Christ when He said, “It is enough for the disciple that he be as his teacher” (Matthew 10. 25). The early disciples learned this lesson, for they could endure persecution, “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name” (Acts 5. 41). May the Lord forgive us for ever feeling sorry for ourselves and complaining because we were given treatment like that accorded our Master.

A disciple is to follow his Master in a “Fear them not” spirit (v. 26). These words are indeed timely, for if a disciple is to be treated as his Master, think of what might happen to him! Christ was given rough treatment at the hands of men. There were those who even took His life at last. Suppose we should receive similar treatment. The Lord has made ample provision even for this. “Fear them not,” He says. “Be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul” (v. 28). “Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (v. 31). Regardless, then of what treatment a disciple may receive he need not fear. Even though fear may be the most common temptation to one who would “be as his teacher,” yet the Lord has three times in these few verses emphasized that fear need not be entertained. “Fear” is a paralyzing atmosphere. Therefore, it must be dispersed by faith, for, come what may, we have the promise, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deuteronomy 33. 25).

It is always good to count the cost before proceeding too far. In Jesus’ day there were many who started to follow Him, but finally left Him because they felt the cost was too great. Once when Jesus had spoken solemnly of what it meant to follow Him “many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him” (John 6. 66). Before we proceed any further let us have it clearly understood that “a disciple is not above his teacher.” We are to expect no better treatment from the people with whom we associate than Christ receives. Are you satisfied with that? Or “would ye also go away?” (John 6. 67). Check carefully the desires of your heart. If you discover that Satan has already caused you to desire to be above your Master, deal with this subtle sin today. Then, renew your pledge to your Master, and follow Him wherever He may lead. You and He are to be so identified that you will both receive the same treatment, a sharing of His sufferings on earth, and finally, of His glory in heaven.