Those who follow Jesus’
commandment entirely, who let Jesus’ yoke rest on them without resistance, will
find the burden they must bear to be light. In the gentle pressure of this yoke
they will receive the strength to walk the right path without becoming weary.…Where
will the call to discipleship lead those who follow it? What decisions and
painful separations will it entail? We must take this question to him who alone
knows the answer. Only Jesus Christ, who bids us follow him, knows where the
path will lead. But we know that it will be a path full of mercy beyond
measure. Discipleship is joy.
Biblical Wisdom
Come to me, all who are
weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and
learn from me; for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for
your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28–30
Questions to Ponder
· What is Jesus’
“commandment” that we are to follow? (See John 15:12)
· If this commandment is
Jesus’ “yoke,” how might we be changed if we bear it without resistance?
· Why might following
Jesus’ commandment lead to tough “decisions and painful separations”?
Psalm Fragment
Make me to know your
ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your
truth,and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you
I wait all day long. Psalm 25:4–5
Journal Reflections
· To be a disciple is not
just to believe in Jesus, it is to follow Jesus. In your journal, reflect on
the
ways in which you are presently following Jesus.
· Do you experience your
discipleship as “joy”? Is the “burden” of your discipleship “light”?
· Do you sense there are
places Jesus might want to lead you where you would rather not go? If
so, where
are they and what is holding you back?
Intercessions
Pray specifically for
family, friends, and colleagues that they might clearly hear the call to
discipleship (which is the call to love and justice), and that they might
experience following Jesus’ commandment as joy in the concrete realities of
their lives.
Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus, only you
know where my path will lead, but I trust that, even if I do not know either
the way or the destination, you are with me and before me, and I follow you
with joy.
40-Day Journey with
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Copyright © 2007 Augsburg Books, imprint of Augsburg Fortress.
