“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”– Luke 14:27
Discipleship, while deeply rooted in biblical principles, finds its true expression in the everyday lives of believers. It’s not confined to theological study or church activities alone but permeates all aspects of life, guiding actions, relationships and personal growth. It is a transformative journey of following Jesus, marked by learning, obedience, and imitating Christ and His disciples in our life’s journey.
A quote by Dieter F. Uchtdorf says, “By patiently walking in the path of discipleship, we demonstrate ourselves the measure of our faith and our willingness to accept God’s will rather than ours”.
Discipleship is a central theme in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, where it encompasses the call to follow Jesus, the process of spiritual growth, and the commitment to teaching others about Him. Biblical discipleship is rooted in the teachings and following the example of Jesus Christ and is characterized by obedience, transformation and proliferation.
The concept of discipleship is explicitly highlighted in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you”. -Matthew 28:19
There are dual aspects of discipleship: Evangelism (making disciples) and Education (teaching them to observe commandments of God).
Characteristics of a Disciple
A disciple is more than a mere follower; they are learners and imitators of Christ. Luke 9:23 articulates the cost of discipleship “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” This self-denial and daily commitment to following Jesus highlights the sacrificial nature of true discipleship.
The relationship between the disciple and the teacher is further illustrated in John 15:5- “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” This metaphor signifies the vital connection and dependence of the disciple on Christ, emphasizing the necessity of abiding in Him to bear spiritual fruit.
Evidence of Discipleship
The early church provides ample evidence of what true discipleship, Acts 2:42 describes the commitment of the first Christians: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” This devotion to teaching, fellowship, communion and prayer forms the bedrock of a disciple’s life, illustrating the communal and instructional nature of discipleship.
We see Paul’s relationship with Timothy serves as a prime example. In 2 Timothy 2:2 Paul instructs Timothy– “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” This passage highlights the proliferative aspect of discipleship, where teachings are passed down and spread through successive generations of believers. The biblical model of discipleship, as evidenced through the teachings of Jesus and the early church, continues to serve as a timeless blueprint for believers today.
Application of Discipleship
Discipleship involves both personal and communal dimensions. Personally, it requires regular engagement with Scripture, prayer and a lifestyle reflecting Christ’s teachings. Personal discipleship also means striving to embody Christ-like qualities in every interaction. This could be seen in showing kindness and patience in challenging situations, or in maintaining integrity and honesty in the workplace, as instructed in Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Communally, it involves active participation in a local church, engaging in fellowship, and committing to mutual accountability and growth of the church.
Discipleship in Relationships
Relationships are a crucial arena for discipleship. In family, it involves modeling a Christ-centered life having a family prayer, and encouraging one another in spiritual discussions. In friendships and communities, discipleship can take the form of mentorship. Older or more mature believers can guide newer Christians, offering wisdom, support, and accountability echoing Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Discipleship in the Church
The local church is a hub for discipleship, providing resources, teaching, and community. Real-life discipleship within the church involves participating in small groups or Bible studies where believers can dive deeper into scripture, share their lives, and encourage each other. Hebrews 10:24-25 highlights the importance of this: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not giving up meeting together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Churches often offer discipleship programs or courses designed to equip members for ministry and service. These programs might cover topics like spiritual disciplines, evangelism, or leadership, providing practical tools for living out one’s faith.
Discipleship in the World
Finally, discipleship extends beyond the church into the broader community and workplace. Christians are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love and truth in every sphere of life. This might involve ethical business practices, volunteering in local charities, or simply being a compassionate neighbor. Matthew 5:16 exhorts believers: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
For example, a Christian might choose to mentor a young colleague at work, not just in professional skills but also in character and values, demonstrating what it means to live a Christ-centered life in a secular environment. Or, they might participate in community service projects, showing Christ’s love in tangible ways to those in need.
The Call to Follow Jesus
The foundation of discipleship in the Bible is the call to follow Jesus. This call is personal and requires a radical commitment. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus calls Simon Peter and Andrew with a simple yet profound invitation: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This call to follow signifies a shift in allegiance from self or worldly pursuits to Jesus and His mission.
Following Jesus involves a willingness to leave behind former ways of life. In Luke 5:11, after witnessing a miraculous catch of fish, Peter, James, and John “left everything and followed him.” This abandonment of previous occupations and priorities underscores the total commitment required of a disciple.
The Process of Spiritual Growth
Discipleship is not a one-time event but a continuous process of spiritual growth and transformation. This journey is marked by learning from Jesus, obeying His teachings, and becoming more like Him. In John 8:31-32, Jesus says, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Abiding in Jesus’ word implies a deep, ongoing engagement with His teachings.
The process of growth also involves bearing fruit. In John 15:8, Jesus states, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” The fruit of a disciple’s life is evident in their character, actions, and the impact they have on others.
Commitment to Obedience
Obedience to Jesus’ commands is a hallmark of biblical discipleship. In the Great Commission, Jesus instructs His followers to make disciples, teaching new disciples to obey Jesus’ commands is a critical component of the discipleship process. Obedience is often tested through trials and challenges. In Luke 9:23, Jesus outlines the cost of discipleship: “whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” This self-denial and willingness to endure hardship are essential aspects of following Jesus.
In conclusion, discipleship is a dynamic and comprehensive process involving a personal call to follow Jesus, continuous spiritual growth, commitment to obedience, and the multiplication of disciples. Rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus, biblical discipleship transforms individuals and communities, ensuring the perpetuation of the faith and the fulfillment of Jesus’ mission on earth. Believers today can continue to grow as disciples and make disciples, living out the examples of disciples of Jesus Christ who turned the whole world upside down. It is because of their sacrificial life, we have the Bibles in our hands.
Discipleship in real life is a holistic, ongoing process that touches every area of a believer’s existence. It requires intentionality in personal spiritual growth, nurturing relationships, active church involvement, and being a light in the broader world. By living out these principles, Christians not only grow closer to Christ but also draw others to Him. Being a disciple is not easy but it is a call to live a selfless life to be more like Him and less like us as stated in John 3:30, “He must become greater; I must become less.”
