In the Christian Science Bible Lesson August 20, 2012 Issue

Living the commands of Jesus

For the lesson titled "Christ Jesus" from August 20-26, 2012

Abby Fuller—San Anselmo, California

Some people view Jesus as a wonderful but mysterious character, somewhat removed from our everyday lives. Yet in the Responsive Reading of this week’s Bible Lesson, titled “Christ Jesus,” Jesus tells his disciples that they are friends, not servants (see John 15:10–16). And this Lesson shows how we can all work to feel closer to Jesus’ example and embrace him as a friend, especially by following his teachings and commandments.

Jesus’ closest friends appear to have been his disciples. The Gospels of Matthew and Mark seem to speak only of the twelve as disciples, but Luke and John include all of Jesus’ followers. Matthew’s list of the twelve is in chapter 10, verses 2–4 (which matches Mark’s, in chapter 3, verses 13–19). 

In Matthew 10, Jesus sends the disciples out to preach only to the Israelites and to “heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (verse 8, citation 12). By spreading the gospel, or good news, of Jesus’ words and works, they were paving the way for his arrival in those cities, helping to ensure a friendly reception for him.