Discipleship

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As Christians we are called to continually and progressively strive to become more like Jesus in word, thought, and deed.[1] In a way then, discipleship is similar to the process of sanctification in that the goal is to become more holy and righteous until the final state of glorification. Both, I might add, require relationship, the former with God and the latter with fellow believers.

Relationship within the context of discipleship is not merely a superficial one; rather, it requires complete dedication. In fact, Jesus asked that his disciples deny themselves and bear their own cross (Luke 14:27). This means that a disciple must embrace the will of God in spite of personal comforts or wants and despite the suffering, just as Jesus did. He also asks that we hate our family (v. 26). This implies a love so great for Him that love for family pales in comparison to the point of looking like hate. In all of these requirements then, the disciple must be open and ready to follow or in other words, have the character and competence to persevere.[2]

Not surprisingly, Jesus not only asked that his disciples do the things stated above, but also did them himself in relation to God the Father. “A leader,” as Mitchell states, “must first learn to be a follower.”[3] Jesus, God the Son, could have done many things differently, but instead chose to obey and follow God the Father.

Another aspect of discipleship is that it is a lifelong pursuit, “It s not a program. It is not a ministry. It is a lifelong commitment to a lifestyle.”[4] A disciple does not simply go to a class or small group, but engages the world and society they live in, in order to reflect God’s character; as Jesus exhorted, “What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered proclaim on the housetops” (Matthew 10:27).

Lastly, a disciple is to mature and produce disciples themselves. Matthew 28:19 makes this absolutely clear in that we are to, “make disciples of all nations.” Barna agrees that, “The corporate goal is to introduce other people to Jesus, help them to accept Him as their Savior, and enable them to live the life worthy of someone known as a Christian.”[5] Our identity is in Christ and therefore it is our mission to live up to that distinctive.


[1] George Barna, Growing True Disciples: New Strategies for Producing Genuine Followers of Christ, (Colorado Springs, Colo.: WaterBrook Press, 2001), 17
[2] Michael R. Mitchell, Leading, Teaching, and Making Disciples: World-Class Christian Education in the Church, School and Home, (Nashville: CrossBooks Publishing, 2010), Kindle Electronic Edition, location 298
[3] Ibid, location 309
[4] George Barna, Growing True Disciples, 19
[5] Ibid, 23
         



             

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