Acts 8 tells the story of Simon the Sorcerer.
I admit, every time I hear of this bible character my mind goes to Tim the Enchanter from Monty Python's Holy Grail. And then I start yelling, "Bring me a shrubbery!"
But no one ever does.
I read Simon's story through the lens of discipleship. That subject has been on my heart lately, which is why I'm reading Acts. I figure the book that talks about the start of the church should have some useful insights into discipleship.
Simon is apparently a really impressive sorcerer, as the people thought him to be a divine power. But when he sees the disciples healing people and driving out demons in the name of Jesus, he believes and is baptized. When he sees Peter and John lay hands so that other believers may receive the Holy Spirit, Simon offers them money so he might have that power. After the apostles rebuke him for thinking he could buy God's gift, he asks them to pray on his behalf.
[End scene.]
Apparently Simon actually had some sort of conversion experience. He saw the power of God, and acknowledged that he wasn't a divine power by believing in Jesus as Lord. He was baptized in Christ and followed Philip around, like any good disciple would do. And he was amazed at what he saw Philip doing. (If the people were amazed at Simon, what kind of things was Philip doing that Simon would be amazed at?)
Then he sees Peter and John lay hands on people and give them the Holy Spirit. Right here I think we see a slip back into old Simon. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation," (2 Cor 5:17) but sometimes the old habits stick around. So, he thinks he can buy this power. Maybe no one ever told him he couldn't. Maybe it was an impulse comment. Whatever the case, he said something that didn't line up with the faith he had been brought into. And he's treated pretty harshly for it.
I think this is a good passage to illustrate continuing discipleship. Just because someone has a conversion experience or believes in Jesus, is baptized, does a profession of faith or whatever, doesn't mean they've fully arrived. As Pastor James said at church this weekend, that's only { } this much of the Christian faith. Discipleship brings the person into maturity in Christ.
I love the idea of discipleship and mentoring, but I've never been very good at it. The good news is, I'm getting better. It takes work, though. And it's well worth it. Of course, there is a difference between mentoring and discipling. Mentoring brings a person along in life. Discipling brings a person along as a disciple of Jesus, and then requires that they do the same.
Have you been discipled in the faith?
Have you discipled others?
I'm beginning to disciple a couple guys at church, and I love it. If you're interested in what discipling looks like, let's chat. And if you think you can teach me a few things, please do!
The Kingdom of God is far too important for us not to pass on the faith which leads to salvation, justice and life abundant.
