Apprentices
3 April, Apprentices, Matthew 16 : 21 – 28
Ice Breaker
Have you ever been an Apprentice?
At Therfield School, as well as some other Secondary schools there is an Apprentice Pathway for sixth form students who are not aiming at a high academic University Place. They want to go for the more hands on approach of “learning while working”.
On the Royal Shakespeare company website you can read:-
“An apprenticeship is a great way to learn new skills and get qualified whilst earning money.
If you want to develop your skills and knowledge in a practical environment, an apprenticeship could be just right for you. An RSC apprenticeship will equip you for future employment in the theatre industry by learning from experts and being supported by mentors and learning providers.”
Discuss for a few minutes the value of being an Apprentice.
Introduction
We are thinking today about how Jesus trained his disciples and handed on to them the good news which they in turn would hand on to others. If they had not received the message and believed it, we would not be here today discussing the subject in housegroups. Take a moment to express your gratitude.
Read Matthew 16 : 21 – 28
Pause for reflection.
Then Read again verse 21-
Q1 – What strikes you about this verse? Why did Jesus choose this moment to speak about such things?
This marks a change in emphasis in Jesus’ teaching. He is no longer speaking to the crowds. He is focusing on his disciples and preparing them for his coming suffering and death.
Q2 – What do you make of the interaction between Peter and Jesus in verses 22 and 23?
Is Peter simply reacting as many of us might do? Because of his love for Jesus, he does not want him to be harmed. Think of the way he tried later to defend Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was a very good friend of Jesus so why does he rebuke him?
Q3 – Have you ever felt rebuked by God? What effect did it have on you?
Do our consciences tell us when we are wrong? Is that why we have a sense of right and wrong – in order to have the opportunity to choose the right pathway?
As an Apprentice we are learning from the very best teacher and in order to learn we will need to be told when we are going wrong.
Failure is part of the pathway to success. (Thomas Edison and others)
Q4 – You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men. What is the difference?
People often make choices which suit them rather than other people. We look for a life which suits us and gives us what we want. God looks for the good of all.
How does he aim to achieve this?
Read verses 24 - 26
Q5 – Does any of this remind you of Charles Dickens and the Christmas Carol?
How do we deny ourselves? Have you given up or taken up anything for Lent that you would like to share with the group? What is there about self-denial which is beneficial? What is my soul? (don’t take too long on this question!)
As an apprentice we need to be looking at and following the master. He or she will need to be learning from them and doing as they do – not just when they are being actively taught but also in the ordinary ways of life.
Take up your cross – This indicates the idea of total commitment.
As apprentices we need to ensure that we understand the costs of apprenticeships. This is not a cheap and easy option – less academic – more hands on – more easy approach – NO it is a difficult task to follow a wonderful leader and to keep up with expectations and learn everything we can. It is a lifetime commitment to love and service.
Q6 _ What influence on our lives is made by our meeting the master?
You might like to read the following poem if it is helpful for your group:-
I Met the Master Face to Face
by Lorrie Cline
I had walked life's way with an easy tread,
Had followed where comforts and pleasures led,
Until one day in a quiet place,
I met the Master face to face.
With station and rank and wealth for my goal,
Much thought for my body but none for my soul,
I had entered to win in life's mad race,
When I met the Master face to face.
I had built my castles and built them high,
With their domes had pierced the blue of the sky,
I had sworn to rule with an iron mace,
When I met the Master face to face.
I met Him and knew Him and blushed to see,
That His eyes full of sorrow were fixed on me;
And I faltered and fell at His feet that day,
While my castles melted and vanished away.
Melted and vanished, and in their place,
Naught else did I see but the Master's face.
And I cried aloud, "Oh, make me meet,
To follow the steps of Thy wounded feet."
My thought is now for the souls of men,
I have lost my life to find it again,
Ever since one day in a quiet place,
I met the Master face to face.
Or you could encourage them to find it online if that suits your situation better.
Read again Verses 27 and 28
There are two main interpretations of these verses.
1. That they are a prediction of the transfiguration which happened a week later. Matthew 17 : 1 and which demonstrated that Jesus will return in his Father’s Glory (16:27)
2. It refers to the day of Pentecost and the rapid spread of the gospel as described in the book of Acts .
You may like to consider which view is helpful for you. Or perhaps they both have a place in our view of what Jesus is teaching his apprentices.
And Finally - Take a time for prayer to consider your personal calling.
· Are you being called to serve Christ as an Apprentice in a particular role?
· Is your calling to some kind of public ministry – Lay or Ordained?
· Are you a peacemaker or pastoral worker?
· Are you a person whose role is practical and hands on?
· Are you a prayer warrior?
· Or…………….
I believe that God calls everyone to serve him according to the gifts which he has so generously given to us. Take time in the coming week to look and find what gifts you have and how you can make best use of them.
Every Blessing
Amen.