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All Christians accept the mandate to become disciples of Jesus. The term " disciple " feels very religious and even intimidating. A disciple is someone who is following Jesus and becoming more like him. In Matthew chapter 11, Jesus says,

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill- fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (MSG).

To be a disciple is to truly live. The disciples in the Bible are characterized by three aspects: they follow Jesus, listen to his teachings, and share his message with others. When we begin to align our lives with these principles, we become disciples of Christ.

 

For the disciples in the Bible, following Jesus meant physically walking the Judean countryside. Today, modern Christians follow Jesus by doing what he did: praying, fasting, and studying scripture. By reading scripture, we gain insight into Jesus’s life and identity. When we pray, we engage in a direct conversation with him, and when we fast, we replicate his practices. To follow Jesus in modern times, we still do the things Jesus did.

 

Jesus originally taught people in the same manner we learn today. He would share anecdotes, stories, and truths that flowed from them. His audience could sit and listen to the good news he shared. Those individuals were inspired to record those teachings and preserve them. Today we can listen to Jesus' teachings by immersing ourselves in the biographies of Jesus (the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). These Gospels (literally good news) were recorded so that we could hear Jesus’s words today. 

 

Lastly, a disciple of Jesus tells others! The disciples constantly go and invite their friends and family to come and listen to Jesus. We are no different! When you are a disciple, you want to share that with others.

 

When we commit ourselves to these three things, Jesus works in us and strengthens our faith. Being a disciple of Jesus inspires us to gather with other disciples to Worship and to be part of the Mission.