What is discipleship? A disciple is a follower of Christ. The twelve disciples of Jesus were sent on a mission to spread the gospel. As Jesus’ disciples, they learned from him and passed on their teachings to others. God equips His followers with the needed skills to disciple others, and share His love and glory with others.
Where Does the Bible Talk about Discipleship?
The Bible mentions discipleship in the Old Testament and the New Testament. Sharing our faith with non-believers and believers allows others to know Christ and to have a deeper relationship with Him.
Discipleship doesn’t mean there won’t be hurdles and challenging times when the gospel is shared. Yet, comfort can be found in knowing the message of God is being given.
Evangelism is making disciples of others:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)
Part of being a disciple of Jesus is that we show love for other disciples, love in action (Philippians 2:3-4).
What Does “Discipleship” Mean?
Discipleship means putting God first. Jesus spoke and told the disciples they must deny themselves and follow Him: “In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples” (Luke 14:33 NIV). Christian discipleship is a process in which disciples learn, grow in faith, and are equipped by the Holy Spirit. Becoming a disciple takes time and spiritual discipline.
The book of Luke in the Bible describes how large crowds were traveling with Jesus. He explained to these people that someone could not be His disciple if they did not put everything and everyone else last (Luke 14:25-35).
How Did Jesus Do Discipleship?
Jesus called ordinary people to be His disciples. He did not choose someone because of their outward appearance or their status in the community. Jesus chose unqualified people to help share the gospel.
Scripture tells that Jesus went off to the mountain to pray. He spent an entire night in prayer to His Father. When morning came, Jesus called the disciples and chose twelve men (Luke 6:12-13).
Each person chosen to be a disciple was uniquely gifted in their own way. From a farmer to a fisherman and others, Jesus knew the exact people to choose (John 14:16). The names of the twelve apostles chosen are Simon (also called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew (also called Nathanael); Thomas and Matthew (a tax collector); James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James); Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot. Judas Iscariot is the one who betrayed Jesus.
When Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, according to Scripture, He saw brothers Peter and Andrew. The two fishermen were casting a net into the lake. Jesus spoke to the men. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matthew 4:18-20 NIV). The Bible states that Peter and Andrew left their nets immediately and followed Jesus.
Jesus spoke to the crowds and also to the disciples privately. Jesus shared parables to help the disciples understand the message (Mark 4:9-12).
The Inner Circle of Jesus
Jesus met with the disciples in a group setting and individually. The book of Luke shares how He warned about the Pharisees and their hypocrisy. Jesus taught in a small group setting, and also spoke to thousands who gathered to hear the message.
Peter, James, and John were the disciples who had been with Jesus the longest. The three men were eyewitnesses to the transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9:2-3). They also witnessed the miracle Jesus performed when He raised Jairus’s daughter from the dead.
The three men were with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus told the disciples to sit there while He prayed. Jesus was deeply distressed. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch” (Mark 14:34 NIV). Jesus then fell to the ground and prayed to God. When Jesus returned to the men, they were sleeping.
The inner circle did not stay awake and keep watch. Even those people closest to Jesus failed at times.
Who Did the Apostles Disciple?
Each apostle (teacher) was called by Jesus, ordained by Jesus, and sent out into the world to share the message of God. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit- fruit that will last- and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you” (John 15:16 NIV).
The First Commission was the first time Jesus sent the apostles to preach. There were restrictions for that first time. Jesus restricted them to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6 NIV). The disciples were told to share that the kingdom of God was at hand. Jesus told them not to go among the Gentiles or any town of the Samaritans. Instead, they were instructed to go to the lost sheep of Israel. “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near’” (Matthew 10:7 NIV). The men had the authority to drive out impure spirits and heal diseases.
The Second Commission came after the death of Jesus on the cross. The group was commissioned to teach, baptize, and preach the gospel to the whole world and promise salvation to those who believed and obeyed.
How Can We Pursue Discipleship Today?
Today and every day, there is an opportunity to be a disciple of Christ. Do you have a mentor? Or maybe you are a mentor to someone new in the faith. Pursuing discipleship means putting Christ first in all situations (Luke 9:23-24). "Follow Him" is a choice. When the decision is made to follow Christ, a deeper relationship with God can be found.
The book of Ecclesiastes shares that two are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Faith can deepen and become stronger when a community of believers works together to spread the gospel’s good news. Being a mentor means you can help others in their relationship with God.
Every Christian is called to share the word of God.
The Bible reminds us to love one another as God has loved us. Showing the love of Christ in good times and in bad times can help others know Him.
If you are looking for a Christian mentor or want to be a Christian mentor, speak with your local clergy or pastor. There may be opportunities to serve in various ways within your church or your community.
Be alert and ready for the calling God has for you.
Father, thank You for the disciples of Jesus. May we have open eyes, ears, and hearts to receive the ways to be a disciple to others. Amen.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Further Reading:
Confusing Evangelism and Discipleship?
5 Keys to Intentional Discipleship
Photo credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/witsarut sakorn
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
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