April 1, 2020
Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,
Our Lenten Series continues this week with the theme of Authentic Discipleship with Reverend Dr. Brenda Guess, Chancellor of the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple.
Forward Together by Faith,
Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Senior Pastor
Authentic Discipleship
John 17:6-19
John 17:6-19
In this passage, we find the intercessory prayer often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. Jesus had begun to withdraw from the world as it was the end of his earthly ministry. Yet he continually spent time with 
his disciples. The Last Supper and feet washing had taken place (chap. 13), along with Jesus’ teachings with the disciples in preparation for his departure (chaps.14-16). And now, Jesus looked toward heaven and prayed not only for himself but also for his disciples.
his disciples. The Last Supper and feet washing had taken place (chap. 13), along with Jesus’ teachings with the disciples in preparation for his departure (chaps.14-16). And now, Jesus looked toward heaven and prayed not only for himself but also for his disciples.As we look at Jesus’ prayer for the disciples. It is clear that Jesus is describing the close relationship between God, the Son and disciples, for all three are mentioned in every verse. Jesus tells God that he has told the disciples all that they need to know, and that he is praying not for the world but for those given to him. Jesus asks the Father for three things for the disciples: (1) Jesus prayed that God would not take the disciples out of this world, and that they would continue the work of the Father. (2) Jesus prayed for God to protect the disciples in his name, recognizing that the disciples who would carry his mission forward would encounter the evil one and a hostile world. Jesus’ prayer would not free them from pain or suffering, but with God’s protection the disciples could be of one heart and one mind in unity, focused on the work that they were called to do. (3) Jesus asked God to sanctify the disciples with the truth--his word. It is important that as disciples, they would know, understand, and live by God’s word which would allow growth as a disciple. Jesus prayed these things so that his disciples could experience the full joy of him. The beauty of Jesus’ prayer is that all that he prayed for his disciples are the same desires he has for us today!
During this Lenten season, let us reflect on what it means to be an authentic disciple of Christ. Let us reflect on what it means to be of one heart and one mind in unity with God, focused on the work that we are called to do. We are called to be a light in this dark world. Even during this time of shelter-in-place our lights can shine by simply reaching out to someone by telephone, sharing a word of comfort or offering a prayer. Helping those who may be less fortunate or feeling isolated during this time.
As we shelter-in-place, we have great opportunities to study God’s word —personal study or attending a virtual Bible study. We can also catch up on reading some of the books we’ve read a few lines of and then tossed aside because of our busy schedules--works written by great scholars like Howard Thurman, Cain Hope Felder, J. Alfred Smith, Sr., and more. With greater knowledge and understanding of God’s word and our purpose in this life, we can experience the full joy that God has for us.
Further reading:
- Thursday: Psalms 91:1-2
- Friday: Mark 12:28-31
- Saturday: 1 Corinthians 1:10
- Sunday: Romans 12:1-2
- Monday: 2 Timothy 2:15
- Tuesday: John 17:20-23
Dr. Brenda Guess currently serves as the Chancellor of the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple. Under the leadership of Dr. Guess, the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple has become a bright light in the Bay Area community. It has grown greatly offering four essential certificate programs in Christian Ministry, Civic Engagement; Responsible Preaching and the Emerging Leaders Program funded by the California Endowment. Each program provides educational and mentorship experiences in leadership and civic engagement instilling students with knowledge and the opportunity to develop leadership skills and confidence to speak truth to power. The Leadership Institute also offers online education having had students to attend from as far as Johannesburg, East London and Cape Town, South Africa.
