Discipleship

(Detail from “Jesus Discourses With His Disciples” James Tissot, Wikimedia)

Jesus preached to large crowds. We know that because of the feeding of the thousands. The Bible tells of other such large gatherings where His disciples preached. We also know this was an effective method of spreading the good news. Many followed, but some dropped out.

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. (John 6:66 KJV)

Jesus had just given a hard lesson, one He knew could offend. There are such lessons that separate those who lack faith. Yet we know that God’s will would have everyone saved.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 KJV)

Deeper faith comes through discipleship. The one-to-one relationship gave us so many great preachers and teachers. One of my favorites is Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, trained by John. I think it was his name that caught my attention, and a non-relevant comment: “Plastic fish?” Christ discipled John; John discipled Polycarp; Irenaeus heard him as a youth in the Smyrna church, and what would become France was changed forever. The teachings of Christ stepped forward from one generation to another.

To disciple new Christians, the faithful must be well-grounded in scripture and know where they stand in their own walk with our Lord. Discipling requires the ability to answer serious questions that go to the core of a believer’s doctrine. Such questions must always be answered with scripture, not personal belief or personal standards that are not supportable.

This same situation exists in our Sunday School – it is not what the teachers say, not what is in the lesson that is to be followed, it must be scriptures. If I require our Junior High girls not date, there is not a scripture to back up that statement. If, however, I explain what the scriptures say about marriage and family then ask if they are ready for such responsibilities, they can understand how much is involved in making the decision when to date.

Discipling goes much further than teaching a class. It takes much more time and dedication. To disciple, you must be available for questions at any time. Christ’s disciples walked with Him for three years. Luke traveled with the apostles for years. Read Acts and see how the narrative moves from “they” to “we” to get an idea how far he travelled.

Where are you in the walk with our Lord? Are you ready to be discipled, looking for someone to answer questions or help in growing faith? Or, are you ready to disciple another, ready provide scriptures for their questions, but also grow with them into greater faith?