
The Greek word for "disciple" translates to "follower," referring to someone who dedicates their life to learning from a teacher and sharing that teacher’s wisdom with others. In the New Testament, Jesus outlines the essence of discipleship in His final words, often called the Great Commission:
“Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age’” (Matthew 28:18-20).
At the heart of this commission is a clear directive: “make disciples.” Jesus provides three essential aspects of discipleship to guide His followers:
Go and Make Disciples
A true disciple actively seeks opportunities to share the good news of Christ with others. The early followers of Jesus demonstrated this boldly, spreading the message of the risen Savior despite facing persecution and hardship.
Encourage Baptism
Baptism is a public declaration of faith and commitment to follow Christ. While it is not the act of baptism itself that saves a person, it symbolizes a believer’s decision to accept Jesus and embark on the journey of discipleship.
Teach the Ways of Jesus
Discipleship involves teaching others to live according to Christ’s example and commands. While some believers may have the specific gift of teaching, every Christian is called to share what they know about Jesus, helping others grow in their faith and understanding.
The early church offers a powerful example of discipleship in action, as recorded in Acts 2:42-47:
“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
This passage illustrates that discipleship is not a rigid program or checklist but a dynamic, ongoing process. It is a way of life rooted in commitment to Jesus, continual growth in faith, and a dedication to building community, sharing, and teaching others.
True discipleship transforms lives, both individually and collectively. It calls us to surrender our entire selves to Christ, walk in His ways, and lead others to do the same.
Until next time,
Commentaires