Sunday morning we talked about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. The culture around us screams that life is all about what we can get and how much power we can attain. Being a disciple redefines success and points us to a more excellent way… the Way of Jesus. That means that discipleship is a journey to be lived out, rather than a lesson only to be understood.

We traced discipleship back to the first century and how the Jewish people made disciples. We noted some primary observations from this study:

1. Discipleship begins in childhood. (Don’t overlook the importance of formation in children)
2. Discipleship is very Word focused. (Children memorizing the entire Torah)
3. Discipleship is a process. (Jewish stages Betz Safare, Bet Talmud, & Bet Midrash)
4. Discipleship breaks down the sacred/secular divide. (It affects all of life)
5. At the heart of Discipleship is being just like our Rabbi (teacher, master)

Jesus did not call us to be disciples in order to recite the stories of His life. He called us to be His disciple so that we may relive the stories of His life, and be just like Him. John 14:12 states:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also;

and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”

 Isn’t that amazing? The God of all creation, incarnate in the flesh, said that we are to do what He did and even greater works. This pushes us beyond the teaching that Jesus is the exception. Many times we hear that Jesus did (fill in the blank), so I don’t have to. Understanding what it means to be a disciple awakens us to the reality that Jesus is not the exception, but the example. He served, so I serve. He loved, so I love. He went to the cross, so I will take up mine. When the people of God embrace this radical call to follow Jesus we will see the reality of Acts 17:6 as the world is turned upside down. We can/should/are called to change the world.

 I want to challenge you to examine your life. Look at your patterns (the rhythm of your life). Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas you need to better imitate Christ. This is the beauty of sanctification.

I will leave you with a verse to reflect on. I would also ask that you read this verse and then enter a time of prayer. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding and application. Then just sit in the silence and listen.

“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

–      1 John 2:6 NKJV