What Would Jesus Do?

REFLECTIONS
October 19, 2008

Today is Laity Sunday; a day set-aside in United Methodism to celebrate the ministry of lay persons. The theme is “Partners In Ministry--Making Disciples of Jesus Christ.” On this day we renew our partnership in the Gospel, remembering each of us has gifts for ministry which God calls us to use. Laity Sunday serves to remind us that ministry is not solely left to pastors, and the gifts we bring in terms of prayers, presence, tithes, offerings and service have value far beyond individual imagination.

The gospel of Mark records a story known as the widow’s offering. Speaking about Jesus the author writes, “And He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came, and put in two copper coins, which make a penny. And He called his disciples to Him, and said to them. ‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living.’ ”

The money she gave had little value as coins of the realm. However, in spiritual terms they were priceless, for those two coins represented the sum of her worth. Throughout his teachings, Jesus is quite clear, grace is free but it is not cheap. The cost of discipleship is an investment of life.

To invest one’s life in the gospel is not simply to sign on the dotted line; these things I believe, and these are the rules to which I will adhere as a person of faith. Active discipleship means investing in learning and then spending that learning through leadership. We are called to learn the will and way of God. The model we have in Jesus is effective and the love of Christ in our lives as a guide and guard is essential. As believers, each of us is called to active ministry. Jesus illustrates this in the gospels when He commissions the disciples, then says no longer am I your master but we are friends.

By calling his followers friends, Jesus set the pattern for discipleship; which moves from belief, to instruction, to sending forth. For if we claim the gift of God’s love, and seek to understand that gift…how can we not be moved to share it? Each in our own way! Each and every day! Here and there and yet there again! AMEN!

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601