Discipleship

Summary

Discipleship is following Jesus — learning from him, living like him, and being shaped into his likeness. A disciple is not merely a believer but an apprentice, ordering all of life around the Master. Jesus' call is total: 'Follow me.' It costs everything and gives more than it costs. Discipleship is the normal Christian life, and it is meant to be reproduced in others.

In the Old Testament

The pattern of master and follower runs through the Old Testament — Elijah and Elisha, Moses and Joshua — as a life and calling were passed on. God always wanted not just worshipers at a distance but people who would walk closely with him and learn his ways.

In the New Testament

Jesus called fishermen with two words — 'Follow me' — and redefined the cost: 'let him deny himself and take up his cross daily.' Before ascending he commissioned the church to 'make disciples of all nations,' a chain meant to continue 'to faithful men who will teach others also.'

Common Misconception

Discipleship is sometimes treated as an advanced, optional track for the especially keen, separate from 'just being saved.' But Jesus never offered belief without following. There is no such thing as a Christian who is not a disciple — only disciples at different stages of growth.

Application

Following Jesus is a daily, deliberate choice, not a one-time decision. Take up your cross today: obey him in the concrete thing before you, learn from him in his word, and pass on to someone else what you are receiving.

Key Passages