What do we think of when we hear or see the word “discipleship”? We will most likely think of Jesus’ disciples or Bible teaching. This word may have a negative connotation for those who have suffered religious abuse. The word “discipleship” is not found in the Bible, yet it is a very familiar word used in and among Christian circles. The word is derived from it’s root word “disciple” which is found numerously in the Bible. The word “discipleship” simply means, “the state of being a disciple.”
So what does it mean to be a “disciple”? Here are some definitions based on words and concepts found in Scripture.
- Disciple – someone who is following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and is committed to the mission of Jesus(Matt. 4:19)
- Disciple making – entering into relationships to help people trust and follow Jesus (Matt. 28:18–20), which includes the whole process from conversion through maturation and multiplication.
- Disciple maker – a disciple of Jesus who enters into relationships with people to help them trust and follow Jesus.
- Discipleship – the state of being a disciple.
The above definitions were excerpted from Bobby Harrington’s Blog; discipleship.org. You will find even broader understanding of this subject by clicking on his link below.
Jesus was the ultimate “Disciple Maker”. Jesus chose twelve men to be in His inner circle, giving them the opportunity to walk closely with Him. (Matthew 4:18-20 TPT) As He was walking by the shore of Lake Galilee, Jesus noticed two fishermen who were brothers. One was nicknamed Keefa (later called Peter), and the other was Andrew, his brother. Watching as they were casting their nets into the water, Jesus called out to them and said, “Come and follow me, and I will transform you into men who catch people for God.” Immediately they dropped their nets and left everything behind to follow Jesus.
What would we give to be able to walk on the Earth with Jesus!? It sounds amazing, right?! Let’s take a look at what it was like for the disciples.
They had to LEAVE EVERYTHING BEHIND to follow Jesus. They were continuously challenged to trade in their old mindsets for Kingdom mindsets. Jesus reprimanded them when they did not exhibit faith in the middle of a storm. (Matthew 23:26) They saw mighty miracles taking place. They came to know the Heart of the Father by doing life with Jesus. They came face-to-face with the reality of human weakness apart from the Power of God. They marveled at His authority in the Earth and over the demonic realm. They watched as Jesus raised people from the dead. They felt puzzled as he spoke mysteries to them. They witnessed their Master being hung on a cross. Their emotions felt like they were on a roller coaster. But, the Love they felt from Jesus was undeniable. A power unlike anything they had ever felt.
After Jesus’ cucifixion, the disciples had much to ponder. “Was it all in vain?”, they wondered. The time they spent with Jesus after His resurrection confirmed to them that not all was lost, but rather, how much was gained. They knew they had been forever changed.
(Matthew 28:18-20 TPT) Then Jesus came close to them and said, “All the authority of the universe has been given to me. Now wherever you go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And teach them to faithfully follow all that I have commanded you. And never forget that I am with you every day, even to the completion of this age.”
(Luke 24:45 TPT) He supernaturally unlocked their understanding to receive the revelation of the scriptures,…
Revelation comes with responsibility. After the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, they went about teaching, preaching, and healing the sick, just like Jesus did. The disciples made disciples, who made disciples, who made disciples. The same commissioning applies to us.
Because Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with us, we, too, can walk with Jesus and be transformed! When we hear Jesus calling us, we have a choice to make. Are we going to answer the call? Walking with Jesus in the Earth is amazing! However, we can expect it to be uncomfortable at times, just like it was for the disciples. Breaking out of deep patterns from our old life is not easy. But, when we trade in our old for the new, there is no comparison. The new is far superior! This “new” is what we are inviting you to.
As disciples of Jesus, we, at AGDM fulfill our commission of being “disciple makers” by entering into relationships with people to help them trust and follow Jesus.
The AGDM Team