Welcome to our six-part series on discipleship, where we’ll dive deep into what it truly means to follow Jesus, be transformed by Him, and live out His mission. In today’s church culture, the word “discipleship” is often used but rarely fully understood. This 6-part series will explore the biblical foundations of discipleship, unpack its relevance for our lives today, and provide practical insights for walking more closely with Christ. Each post will focus on a different aspect of discipleship, from defining what it means to be a disciple to understanding how to make disciples to measuring actual spiritual growth. Join us on this journey as we rediscover the transformative power of discipleship in our personal lives and communities.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to think of discipleship as just another item on the long list of spiritual things we’re “supposed” to do. But the truth is, being a disciple of Christ goes far beyond Sunday services, Bible studies, or even serving at church. It’s a full-on transformation—a way of life that impacts every part of who we are. We need to ask ourselves: Are we just attending church, or are we actively being transformed as followers of Jesus?
The Call to Follow Jesus: An Invitation to Transformation
When Jesus called His disciples, He didn’t just ask them to listen to His teachings. He invited them into a life of radical change. One of the most direct calls is in Matthew 4:19, where Jesus says to Simon Peter and Andrew, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Notice that Jesus didn’t simply ask them to understand His message. He called them to follow Him—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and, in doing so, to be transformed into something new.
The Greek phrase for “follow me” (Δεῦτε ὀπίσω μου) literally means “come behind me.” This wasn’t just a casual suggestion; it was a command to walk in His footsteps, to live as He lived. When you follow someone that closely, you don’t just hear their words—you start to embody their way of life. That’s what it means to be a disciple.
What is a Disciple, Really?
In both the Old and New Testaments, the word “disciple” implies more than just a student. The Hebrew term limmud (meaning taught or accustomed) and the Greek word mathētēs (meaning learner or pupil) carry the idea of someone who is continually shaped and formed by the teachings of their master. As Christians, this means the teachings of Jesus continuously shape us.
But discipleship is not just about learning doctrines or memorizing Bible verses. It’s about becoming more like Christ in every area of our lives. As Paul writes in Colossians 1:28, the goal is for believers to be “complete in Christ.” The word “complete” refers to spiritual maturity—to being fully developed in our faith.
The Heart of Discipleship: A Lifelong Journey
At its core, discipleship is a lifelong journey of following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and joining Him on His mission. When Jesus gave the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, He commanded His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Notice He didn’t say, “go and make churchgoers” or “go and make religious people.” He said, “make disciples”—people who would follow Him closely, be transformed by His teachings, and then pass that transformation on to others.
Discipleship is active, not passive. It’s about surrendering our lives to Jesus, allowing Him to work in us through the Holy Spirit. It’s a process that takes time, commitment, and the willingness to be vulnerable. And it doesn’t happen overnight. As followers of Christ, we are continually growing, continually learning, and continually becoming more like Him.
Being on Mission with Jesus
One of the key aspects of discipleship is joining Jesus in His mission. This means more than just believing in the Gospel—it means sharing it with others. Jesus’ disciples didn’t just learn from Him and keep the knowledge to themselves. They were sent out to proclaim the Good News, heal the sick, and make more disciples (Luke 9:1-6). Similarly, our discipleship journey isn’t complete until we actively participate in Jesus’s mission.
This mission is about living out the Gospel in both word and deed. It’s about demonstrating the love, grace, and truth of Jesus to the world around us. Whether through acts of kindness, sharing your faith, or walking alongside someone in their discipleship journey, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Self-Reflection: Am I Truly a Disciple?
So, what does it look like to live as a disciple in today’s world? In a culture that often prioritizes personal success, comfort, and convenience, discipleship can seem countercultural. Following Jesus requires sacrifice. It means letting go of our desires and priorities and taking up our cross daily (Luke 9:23).
Here are a few questions to reflect on:
- Am I actively following Jesus, or am I just learning about Him? It’s one thing to know about Jesus and another to follow Him in every area of your life. Are you seeking to align your decisions, relationships, and actions with His teachings?
- How is my life being transformed by the Holy Spirit? True discipleship involves change. Are you seeing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) growing in your life? Are you becoming more patient, loving, and Christ-like?
- Am I on mission with Jesus? Discipleship isn’t just about personal growth. It’s about joining Jesus in His mission to make more disciples. Who in your life are you helping to know and follow Jesus?
Conclusion: Embrace the Call to Discipleship
Being a disciple of Christ is not about perfection but about direction. It’s about the daily decision to follow Jesus, be changed by Him, and participate in His mission. This means to be complete in Christ—not that we have arrived, but that we are continually growing in Him.
As you reflect on your discipleship journey, remember that Jesus’ invitation to “follow me” is not just a one-time decision. It’s a lifelong commitment to walk with Him, learn from Him, and be transformed by His grace. And in the process, we are called to help others follow Him too.
So, what’s your next step in following Jesus today?
What’s in This Series?
Thank you for joining us in our six-part series on discipleship! We’ll continue to explore different aspects of what it means to follow Jesus and live as His disciple. Here is what is in this series:
What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple of Christ? Part 1 addresses the question we need to ask ourselves is: Are we just attending church, or are we actively being transformed as followers of Jesus?
Disciple or Follower: Is There a Difference? In Part 2, we’ll dive deeper into the distinctions between being a follower of Jesus and a true disciple. What does it mean to fully commit to Christ’s teachings, and how can we move from passive belief to active transformation?
Biblical Models of Discipleship: Lessons from the Old and New Testament. In Part 3, we’ll look at how discipleship has been modeled throughout the Bible, from Moses and Joshua to Paul and Timothy, and what we can learn from their relationships today.
The Role of the Discipler and Mentee: Why Relationships Matter in Discipleship Relationships are central to spiritual growth. In Part 4, we’ll explore the vital role that mentor-mentee relationships play in the process of discipleship.
Why One-on-One Discipleship Still Matters Today. As churches grow larger and small groups become more common, is one-on-one discipleship still relevant? In Part 5, we’ll make the case for returning to this biblical model for deeper spiritual growth.
Measuring Discipleship: How Do We Know We’re Making Progress? Finally, in Part 6, we’ll discuss how to measure the effectiveness of discipleship—both in our own lives and in the lives of those we disciple. What are the true indicators of spiritual growth?
Stay tuned as we continue this journey of rediscovering what it means to live as faithful disciples of Christ!
