Discipleship Part 1: What is a disciple?

 Jesus left the church with a clear assignment:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:18–20

Make disciples. Jesus was clear. However, in practice it seems a lot more complicated. I believe that is because the way we often use the word discipleship in church can confuse what was a simple command. We talk about discipleship programs, discipleship groups, discipleship classes, and discipleship strategy and discipleship steps. Perhaps we need to back up and ask a simpler question:

What exactly is a disciple?

Jesus didn't tell his followers simply to make converts as if “knowing” who he was would be sufficient. He told them to make disciples. Why? Because a disciple isn't merely someone who believes certain things about Jesus. A disciple is someone who is learning to live the way of Jesus. In ancient times, a disciple would literally follow around a rabbi, the teacher. It was an honor to be called a disciple, and it was a lot of work to transform one’s habits and to know all the teacher taught. Today, we might think of an apprentice in the trades because of the process they undergo over time to pick up the master’s skill. There is no shortcut.

This is what being a Christian is all about. We are disciples of Jesus. Simply stated, a disciple is a learner of the way of Jesus. Jesus' Great Commission gives us a picture of what this looks like. He says to go, make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey everything He commanded. There is a lot to learn from Jesus' words, but one initial observation is that there is an expected movement. You might imagine the following:

Invitation → Identification → Instruction → Obedience/Disciple → Multiplication/Discipleship

The goal isn't simply that someone knows more about Jesus. The goal is that someone's life increasingly looks like Jesus.

What is a disciple maker?

A disciple maker is someone who helps another person identify and take their next spiritual step. That definition is intentionally simple. You don't have to have everything figured out to help someone else take a step. You don't have to be a theological expert. You don't have to have a perfect spiritual life. Spiritual maturity is tied more to our obedience rather than just what we know. You simply need to be a step ahead of someone else to be a disciple maker.

Paul gives us a picture of this when he says: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1. Notice Paul isn't saying, “Follow me because I'm impressive or have it all figured out.” Instead, “Follow me, take your next step, just as I take my next step following Jesus.” That's discipleship. It is one person helping another person learn the way of Jesus.

Dallas Willard, in his book Divine Conspiracy, argued that every church should have a plan for fulfilling the Great Commission. I agree. I would add, every Christian should have or be part of a plan to fulfill the Great Commission.

What part are you playing in making disciples?

         Am I a disciple – a learner of the way of Jesus?

        Am I a disciple maker – helping another identify and take their next step?

Discipleship begins when we stop thinking of Christianity merely as something we believe and start understanding it as a way of life with others that is transformational. This means we take our faith seriously.

Discipleship is simple, not easy.

A DISCIPLE is a learner of the way of Jesus. And a DISCIPLE MAKER is someone who helps another person take their next step.

• Are you active in your local church? Who are you invested in, praying with, serving alongside, texting encouragement to? Who would miss you if you didn’t show up next week?

• Are you reading Scripture on your own, yes, but also who are you sharing your insights with? Who might you read with this week? Is there a passage that brings someone to mind? Tell them.

• On and on it goes. How am I being transformed as a disciple? How am I encouraging those around me as a disciple maker?

Reflection

• Who has helped you take your next spiritual step?

• And who might God be inviting you to help take their next step?