How to be a disciple in the 21st century (part 1)
Much of SEND’s focus is on making
disciples as we plant churches around the world. In this post (the first of two by Lynn Karidis; read part two here
) we consider being
a disciple in the 21st century. Lynn designed and facilitates “Soul Care in the 21st Century,” a spiritual formation retreat that helps believers rest, learn, and reconnect with Jesus.
In the pages of the New Testament, we see the disciples following Jesus from city to city, listening to his teaching, and learning to imitate him. How wonderful it must have been to see his face, hear his voice, and experience his ministry with the people. But what about us? We don’t live with Jesus in the flesh. How does a 21 st
Century person become a disciple? And what does being a disciple look like for us?
The answers are both simple and complex. While the basic structure of discipleship can be found in Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and in his commands in Matthew 28, one gleans how to be a disciple from the whole of Scripture.
The basic structure of discipleship
In John 17, we learn that Jesus revealed the Father to the disciples he called, he shared God’s word and plan of salvation with them, and the disciples believed and obeyed. Then Jesus sent the disciples out into the world to share the gospel with others. This pattern holds true for us. We learn about Jesus from others who know him. We hear the call and make a decision to repent and follow Jesus and, in this way, become disciples of Jesus.
In Matthew 28, we learn that discipleship with Jesus is different than with a typical rabbi and his followers. Instead of learning from Jesus in order to gather their own following, Jesus’ disciples are called to make more disciples of Jesus. And they do so by sharing the gospel, baptizing the believers, and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded. Simple, yet complex. We become disciples instantaneously at the moment of our salvation, but then spend a lifetime learning what Jesus taught and how to obey (a necessary prerequisite for teaching others).
Other thoughts from Jesus
Discipleship in the early church
Making it personal
Additional Posts
Learn about the spiritual harmony in Vietnam & how missionaries engage with college students. Join us in sharing the gospel!
Explore Georgia's spiritual heritage and the impact of SEND International's mission. Join us in fostering authentic relationships today!
Explore Suresh's journey in Nepal, where SEND empowers local leaders to spread faith and education amidst challenges. Join us in this mission.
