Reflections on Discipleship

REFLECTIONS ON DISCIPLESHIP


In the past week the Lord Jesus has caused me to look again at the related issues of multiplying churches and developing leaders. But in actuality we are not told to do these things, as counter-intuitive as this may sound. What we are told to do is make disciples. “And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:18-19a ESV) Leaders are mature disciples capable of making other disciples (disciplemakers), and new churches are formed by the multiplication of disciples.
What is a disciple? The Greek word “mathetes” means a learner, which implies at least three things. The budding disciple needs a mentor or discipler, he needs to be teachable, and this requires humility. What is required of a disciple? He must put Jesus above every other human relationship. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26) He must bear his own cross. (Lk 14:27), and he must renounce all that he has. (Lk. 14:33)
Further, he must abide in God's Word. (John 8:31-32), love his fellow disciples (John 13:34-35), and bear much fruit, thus glorifying God. “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (John 15:8) Using the definitions that Jesus uses I estimate that at least 95% of American Christians are not disciples.
How are disciples made? Through a work of the Holy Spirit to which the individual person responds. Having a mature, humble disciplemaker is of great benefit, but not, strictly speaking, necessary. However, this is what we see in Jesus with the twelve, and the relationship between Paul and Timothy.