What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple of Jesus?
As we begin a new year, there’s no better time to examine what it truly means to follow Christ. The call to discipleship isn’t just about adding religion to your life – it’s about embracing a complete transformation that changes everything.
The Adventure of Following Jesus
Think about Bilbo Baggins from Tolkien’s famous story. He was perfectly content in his comfortable hobbit hole until Gandalf arrived with an unexpected invitation to adventure. Something stirred within Bilbo – a longing to be part of something bigger than himself. This mirrors how Jesus calls people today.
We all have that deep desire to be part of something meaningful, something with purpose beyond our comfortable routines. When Jesus calls us to discipleship, He’s inviting us into the greatest adventure possible – one that will transform not just our lives, but potentially the lives of countless others.
What Is Biblical Discipleship?
More Than Classroom Learning
In Jesus’ day, discipleship wasn’t confined to classrooms or church buildings. A disciple was someone who had a relational commitment to follow a teacher, learning not just facts but a way of life. The goal was to become like the teacher.
Christian discipleship means having a relationship with Jesus and making a commitment to follow Him, shaping every part of your life around who He is and what He asks of you. It’s saying, “I want to be like Jesus and live the way He wants me to live.”
Jesus Calls for Everything
When Jesus calls, He never calls for just part of your life – He calls for all of it. This might sound intimidating, but remember: the demands of following Christ will cost you everything, but you gain far more than you give up. You’re trading dirt for diamonds.
The First Disciples: A Model for Following Jesus
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Call
In Matthew 4:18-22, we see Jesus calling His first disciples – four ordinary fishermen. These weren’t religious scholars or wealthy elites. They were regular working men who knew how to fish, and sometimes not even that well based on other Gospel accounts.
This should encourage anyone who thinks they don’t have the right skills or background to serve God. Jesus uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
Immediate and Total Response
What’s remarkable about these men’s response is how immediate and complete it was. When Jesus said, “Come, follow me,” they:
- Dropped their nets immediately
- Left their boats and livelihood
- Left family members behind
- Made no excuses or delays
This immediate and total response to Jesus’ invitation is the essence of discipleship. They didn’t need to research Jesus online or check His reviews – they simply obeyed.
What Life Looks Like Without Following Christ
At War with God
A person who chooses not to follow Christ lives at war with God. Their sin remains unforgiven, creating a debt that must be paid either through Christ’s sacrifice or through eternal separation from God.
Living for Self
Without Christ, people live on their own terms, following selfish desires. Even their good deeds are ultimately motivated by self-interest rather than genuine love for God and others.
Without Hope
Apart from Christ, there is no hope. People cannot restore themselves to God, pay off their sin debt, or overcome their sinful nature. Only Jesus can provide the hope and transformation we desperately need.
The Cost of Following Jesus
Leaving Everything Behind
Following Jesus requires leaving behind anything that would hinder your relationship with Him. This doesn’t necessarily mean leaving your job or family, but it might. The key is having “loose hands” – not gripping tightly to anything that would compete with your devotion to Christ.
Jesus said clearly: “Whoever does not give up everything cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). This isn’t about earning salvation through sacrifice, but recognizing that true faith results in surrender.
Taking Yourself Off the Throne
Discipleship starts with repentance and denying yourself. You must remove yourself from the throne of your own life and allow Jesus to take control. This means being willing to give up even things you love if they’re harmful or if they prevent you from following Christ fully.
The Incredible Rewards of Following Jesus
A Transformed Life
Following Jesus doesn’t mean adding religion to your life – it means receiving a completely new life. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.”
This transformation gives you purpose beyond yourself. Instead of living only for temporary gain, you become part of God’s eternal mission.
A Relationship with Your Creator
Discipleship isn’t about following rules – it’s about having a living relationship with the God who made you. Through prayer, Scripture, and daily dependence on Him, you experience fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.
Eternal Life Starting Now
Many people think eternal life begins when they die, but that’s not true. Your eternal life begins the moment you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. You are born again, and your new self lives forever. When your physical body dies, you’ll simply open your eyes in heaven with Jesus.
Hope Beyond This World
The struggles and pain of this life aren’t final. Revelation 21:4 promises that God “will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.”
Life Application
The call to discipleship demands a personal response that only you can make. Jesus is calling you to “Come, follow me.” The question is: What will your answer be?
This week, examine your life honestly. Are you truly following Jesus, or are you just adding some religious activities to an otherwise unchanged life? If following Christ hasn’t changed the direction of your life, you may not actually be following Him.
Consider what you might be gripping too tightly – relationships, career ambitions, financial security, or personal desires. Are you willing to hold these with loose hands, ready to surrender anything that would hinder your relationship with Christ?
Questions for Reflection:
- What areas of my life have I not fully surrendered to Jesus?
- Am I living as though my eternal life has already begun, or am I focused only on temporary things?
- What “nets” might Jesus be calling me to drop in order to follow Him more fully?
- If Jesus asked me to give up my most treasured possession or relationship for His sake, would I be willing?
Remember, following Jesus is trading dirt for diamonds. The cost is real, but the rewards – both now and for eternity – far exceed anything you could ever give up. The adventure of discipleship is worth having because Jesus is worth following.