Discipleship: The Who, Not the What
The Great Commission reads, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19 NIV).”
Note the absence of the verb “save.” Salvation has always been God’s job. Our task? To go and make disciples. But how does our personal discipleship stack up? Does anyone want what we have?
Here’s a list of nine specifics for discipleship Jesus mentioned:
- Deny yourself (Matthew 16:23-25; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23).
- Take up your cross daily (Matthew 16:23-25; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23).
- Follow Jesus (Matthew 16:23-25; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23).
- Be willing to lose your life for Jesus’ sake (Matthew 16:23-25; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23).
- Give Jesus priority over all other relationships (Luke 14:26).
- Be willing to give up everything (Luke 14:33).
- Hold to Jesus’ teachings (John 8:31).
- Love one another (John 13:35).
- Bear much fruit (John 15:8).
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
If a list of dos and don'ts is all we have to offer, I doubt we'll have many takers. However, instead of focusing on the what of discipleship, let’s focus on the Who. Click To Tweet
Discipleship takes on a different appearance when we look through the lens of relationship. The self-denial that marks the list of whats comes more easily when I love someone deeply and have invested in the relationship. Think how we willingly sacrifice for our children—even when we know they are taking advantage of our graciousness. Could our struggles with discipleship be linked to relationship—or a lack of?
Remember who Jesus is—yesterday, today, and forever.
Remember what He did and does and will do for you.
Remember why He did and does and will do all He has promised in the future.
Discipleship. The Who will carry you through the whats. And it’s the Who that we offer.
Workout of the Week: Discipleship, The Who Not the What
Memory Verse: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19 NIV).”
Meditation Passage: Click on any of the above links.
Do It: Focus on the Who not the what.
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