DISCIPLESHIP
Be a Disciple-making Disciple
In Jewish culture, the common practice and relationship between Rabbi and disciple has been, and still is, that the one wishing to be a disciple seeks out a Rabbi at the appropriate time and asks for permission to follow him. When the student has reached the proper age and understanding after going through the regular educational process in which all Jewish children engage, it is up to him to pursue the Rabbi he wishes to learn from and commit himself to that Rabbi’s process.
That’s what was so remarkable about Jesus and his disciples. They didn’t seek him out, He actually sought them. It was a complete reversal of the system.
What we can learn from this example is that we are to be proactive in making disciples. In fact, just before He left the earth, Jesus told us to be proactive and gave us the purpose and process. He even painted the picture of what a disciple should look like.
The purpose and the process is found in Matthew 28:18-20,
And 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.”
And THIS is what a disciple should look like – Matthew 16:24-25,
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
So to be a disciple-making disciple, we need to simply combine these two passages. It looks like this:
Deny your selfishness and embrace His desires for you
Follow Jesus, His example and His teaching. Worship Him with all your heart, soul and mind.
Live for Jesus, but also be willing to die for Jesus
Be proactive. Go to the world, e.g. next door neighbor, small group member, people you encounter day to day and those in other parts of the earth and baptize (immerse) them with truth (personally) and water (publicly).
Teach the Bible, those things that you have learned from teachers and personal study.
So, what does it look like practically?
Great question!
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
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