I remember the secret shame. I remember it well, because I felt it so often. Hanging out with a group of friends, suddenly the conversation turns to something that is clearly indelicate, perhaps lewd, slightly off-color or sneaky. Everyone begins to smirk, giggle and knowingly wink at each other. Feeling terrible, I hesitantly participate, not because I get the joke (I don’t!), but because I think I’m supposed to. The topic, however, is beyond me. I just don’t know what’s being talked about. Sure, I understand the words, but the meaning is not something I could articulate. So, I fake it…
My grade-school secret shame is echoed in the church all too often. We use terminology, catch-phrases and jargon that to us makes sense, but can appear like a foreign language to others. Unfortunately, such confusion leads, not toward needed clarification, but all too often to a kind of quiet resignation: “Well, I guess I just won’t ever understand that.”
One of these “foreign language” terms we frequently use is “discipleship.” Such a common word in Christian circles, it can be tossed around without a lot of clarity. But, as important as discipleship is to the Christian faith, misunderstanding and confusion should be avoided at all costs.
Discipleship in the Christian tradition is a life-long process of learning from Jesus Christ, imitating His teachings and lifestyle, and growing into Christ-likeness through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Discipleship involves a deep, committed faith demonstrated through practical obedience to God, a willingness to deny oneself and engagement with the community of believers.
Discipleship is a way of life that encompasses daily transformation and aims to equip believers to follow Christ, to serve His people and to share His Gospel message.
Discipleship is a journey, a path toward spiritual maturity and godliness. But this journey has no clear-cut map; there is no magic formula, no sacred ritual which promises a specific outcome. In the absence of a guaranteed recipe, however, the disciple is given a direction, a compass that points to Jesus. Each Christian is taken on the journey with Christ Himself who says, “follow me.”
From this, we pick up a few ideas: (1) Christian discipleship is a way of life, not a one-time decision or half-hearted commitment. (2) Christian discipleship means walking by faith—this is not an exercise of your own will-power or righteousness, but a dependence upon God’s. (3) Christian discipleship means putting Jesus first in all things, following His teachings, bearing the fruit of righteousness, serving others and denying yourself. (4) Christian discipleship results in eternal life—and that life begins right now.
As a disciple of Jesus Christ, for worship this week, read Matthew 16:24-27.
- Read also, Mark 8:34 and Luke 9:23. What is different in these recountings? What is each author stressing from Jesus’ words? That is, why did one author include/exclude specific things?
- This section of scripture in Matthew comes right after Jesus foretells His death and resurrection, and Peter rebukes Him for it. Why might the one instance prompt Matthew to move on to the next? What is the connection between these experiences?
- What does it mean to “deny yourself”? Where is that language used most frequently? What is a misuse of the idea?
- Verse 26 is a hypothetical question… but what might prompt someone to trade their eternal existence for temporary gain?
- The text ends with a focus on Jesus’ second coming. Why? How does this tie up the idea of discipleship?
By Henry Knapp