What defines a disciples? By disciple I mean a learner follower.
In several conversations over the last months I am fascinated by how many pastors have challenged me about disciples simply being learners followers nothing more. When this happens I feel like being a disciple, a learner follower is being cheapen. Besides isn't there personal responsibility to make disciples? When we train others on disciple making communities, making disciples or the relational process, Jesus used the word disciple and there has been some confusion. The word dsicples does mean learner follower. I appreciate the shepherds heart, defending the flock but do think some of this is a knee jerk reaction to questions about why believers in general are not making disciples. These pastors have told me a disciple, is a learner follower and they are in process so in their thinking being a learner follower is enough. Really?
When I study the life of Jesus a couple of things come through the scriptures very clear. First, the mandate to make disciples is for every believer. As they GO through life, they are to BAPTIZE, and TEACH TO OBEY which is an intentional journey and process of making disciples. The expanse of making disciples is to all people, all nations, cross culture lines and sugegst leaving our comfort to accomplish this task. So where is the rub?
We have believers in churches, and some sitting for decades, who have not followed through on Jesus' expectations for learner followers. Being a disciple, as a learner and follower is not an excuse but I do believe it is a calling for everyone who would call themselves a disciple or a Jesus follower. If you remember Jesus separated disciples from other disciples in John 6 when He said you must eat of His flesh and drink of His blodd or you cannot be "My disciple". So did Jesus have another meaning when He used the word? I think YES! I believe Jesus was referring to learner follower's who obeyed Him. Nothing more! It has nothing to do with Bible knowledge, greek words, and funny illustrations.
Why then aren't disciples learner follower's obeying? I believe in most cases pastors/church leaders are not equipping people to reproduce their life into another. Believers are not being taught to Obey Christ. Not everyone or everywhere but it is the majority of all opur experience. If you search the scriptues what would be the one defining word for a learner follower of Jesus? (Read Luke 10 through Acts) I believe the mission of the church is clear. Disciples need to be taught to obey and grow in the realization that obedience is the defining mark of a Jesus disciple!
Jesus states clearly in John 14:15 "If you love Me then you will obey MY commandments". Matthew 28:18-20 states we are to "teach to obey" and then there are the books John wrote. Jesus modeled this as we see in the book of John that He never did anything the Father first told HIm. Phillippians 2:1-11, that Jesus was "obedient" unto death. As a disciple, a learner, and a follower, are we walking in obedience which is the fullest expression of our love for Jesus (Trinity). Jesus calls disicples into a life of obedience and surrender, doesn't He? What do you think? How does this impact your idea of a Jesus follower learner?
Posted on Nov 19, 2011