All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 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 everything I have commanded you. And remember, “I am with you always,” to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:18-20
Disciple. Discipleship.
We use these words a lot, but what do they mean? More specifically, what do they mean for us?
By definition, the word disciple is identifying someone who is a student, a learner, or a follower. Now when we use the word follower, we’re not talking about TikTok or Instagram. Rather, we’re intending something much more in-depth, substantial … everlasting!
When Jesus began His public ministry, He brought 12 men alongside Himself simply by saying to them, “Follow me.” And He meant it … literally. He wanted them with Him for every lesson, every sermon, every miracle, every healing, and every interaction. He wanted them to learn from Him by being WITH Him. 11 of the 12 became more like Him not just because of their proximity TO Him, but because of their relationship WITH Him. Becoming more like Christ; being a wholly devoted follower of Jesus; is about relationships.
Relationship with Jesus. Relationship with the Holy Spirit. Relationship with His Word. It’s also about relationships with each other.
As we continue this conversation here at FBI, we do so with a desire a commitment, really – to do exactly what Jesus was commanding us to do: make disciples. And the thing about this kind of commitment is … it has to be intentional, it takes time and effort, and it’s a sacrifice … but because it’s what He called us to, we can KNOW it’s eternally worth it!
So today, I’m asking you to start praying about what this word means to you, what it might mean in your life, and what God wants to do in and through us.