A Primer on Discipleship
What is discipleship?
- the process of making disciples
Why is that important?
- it was Jesus parting directive to his followers before he went back to heaven
What is a disciple?
- a protege, a student, a follower, an adherent
When the Bible talks about disciples, what is it talking about?
- those who joined a teacher for the purposes of becoming like him
What do we know about disciples?
- boys memorized Torah until age 12 (bayt seffer)
- girls memorized Deut, Psalms, Proverbs
- boys who succeeded continued on with bayt midrash from 12-15
- then boys studied under rabbi with smicha until 30
- they were completely given over to their teacher (24 hrs/day)
Do we have disciples in our culture today?
- children learning to be like their parents
- students learning to be like their teacher
- apprentices learning to be like their mentor
What makes disciples of Jesus different from other disciples?
- Jesus was different than all other teachers
What defines Jesus’ disciples?
- they count the cost, Luke 14:25-33
- they love each other, John 13:34-35
- they abide in him and bear fruit, John 15, specifically v.8
What do these characteristics look like for us today?
- willingness to go through anything (whatever comes our way) for Jesus
- incredible love for other Jesus followers (whether they’re like us or not)
- we strive to be like Jesus and to have him work through us
How does the concept of discipleship relate to the concept of the church?
- the church is the community of disciples (Acts 11:26)
What is the mission of the church?
- to make disciples of all nations
What is our individual contribution to this mission?
- to walk like Jesus and help others to do the same
- 1 Cor 12 model of diversity and unity
- Eph 4:11-16 model of ministry
Where do we start?
- learn all we can about Jesus
- walk in the Spirit (as he walked)
Summary:
Jesus made disciples
Jesus instructed the continuation of his mission of making disciples
The church is the body of Christ, representing him and carrying out his work
Every individual takes part in the work of Christ through his church
Our ultimate goal is that we ourselves and others grow to be more like Christ
How can we help each other in this pursuit?
Pray (for wisdom and opportunity) and obey!
