DISCIPLE_μαθητής \\ Week 3 \\ November 01, 2026

In this sermon, Alekz explores the meaning of discipleship by focusing on Jesus' instructions to his twelve disciples in Matthew 10. He begins with a personal anecdote about his brief attempts to become a chess grandmaster and a poker pro, highlighting how we naturally pour effort into hobbies we love. Similarly, discipleship requires intentionality—a deliberate choice to follow Jesus and reflect His character. Alekz points out that the disciples were ordinary people with no special qualifications; what set them apart was their intentional choice to follow the Rabbi.

Alekz then unpacks Matthew 10:16, where Jesus says, 'I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.' He explains that we are sent into a hostile world, but we are called to balance wisdom and innocence. Shrewdness without innocence can become judgmental; innocence without shrewdness can become passive. Jesus calls us to both, and this requires intentionality in every interaction.

The central command is John 15:12: 'Love each other as I have loved you.' Alekz emphasizes that love is not passive; it requires effort and intentionality. He shares a story about his mother watching crime documentaries and how God convicted him to love her by engaging with what she enjoys. He challenges the congregation to consider how they will respond to Jesus at the end of their lives—whether they will have focused on correcting others or on loving them well. The sermon concludes with a call to intentionally love those around us, reflecting Jesus' love in every opportunity.

Chapters
0:00 Chess, Poker, and Hobbies
5:50 Discipleship Requires Intentionality
7:38 The Unlikely Twelve Chosen
12:48 Sheep Among Wolves
17:25 Shrewd as Snakes
19:32 The Serpent's Craftiness
21:37 Innocent as Doves
26:51 Love Each Other as I Have Loved You
34:15 Loving with Intentionality