What is Discipleship?
What is a disciple?
a disciple is a disciplined learner. As believers in Jesus we are called to learn His ways and follow His commands (See John 15). We are a people who have chosen to follow Jesus and to spread the good news about His kingdom. We do this in many ways. We can become an example for others of what a follower of Jesus looks like. That doesn’t mean that we are always perfect but it does mean that we have made following Jesus the core value of our lives. We preach the gospel not only by talking to others about the hope they can find in Jesus, but also by the way that we live our lives.
Who is qualified to be a disciple?
Anyone who chooses to give their life to Jesus is a disciple. Sometimes we highlight the benefit of following Jesus so we talk about how Jesus has forgiven our sin. This is of course very important because without that we would not be very effective disciples but there is more to it than that. We are actually saying that Jesus is now the Lord of my life, not just the areas I feel comfortable with but our whole life. We give him the influence over our decisions and perspective. This doesn’t mean that we will be perfect in the process. Even the original disciples had their issues but we are committing to grow in our faith just as they did.
Follow me as I follow Jesus. These were the words of Paul to the Corinthians. He was challenging them to leave their childish ways behind and become more like Jesus. Paul was saying if you are struggling with that then just follow my lead. Paul was convinced of the message of Jesus, so much so that he left his job as one of the greatest Pharisees (Teacher of the Law) to teach people about the kingdom even at the risk of his own life. He was convinced that this was the way and he was willing to model that for all.
The Cost
Luke 9 says that we have to be willing to lose everything for Jesus. I know that doesn’t sound like a great selling point. I don’t want to give up my certainty. I don’t want to give up my comfort, if I’m being honest I’m not sure I always want to give up my life. Yet Jesus said it was the requirement. Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it but whoever loses his life for my sake is he one who will keep it. Wow, that’s a pretty big commitment. I think Jesus is telling us that His ways are the best for us. When we truly trust Him is where we will find life. He says that even if we gain the whole world we could still lose our soul and that would be a shame. I’m putting it mildly; let’s just say it’s not worth it. We were designed to know Him and to make Him known to others. We can’t be ashamed of Him.
