By Michael Hurlbert
Sunday, May 15, 2022
A disciple is someone who follows another person or way of life, and who submits themselves to the teaching of that leader or way. Wherever there is a teacher and a student present, the idea of discipleship is also present. With this in mind, we understand that to be a disciple of Jesus is to follow him and pattern one's life after his example as it is laid out in scripture. This comes first with a call or invitation to follow him than by the response of the one who is called. This pattern is seen when Jesus calls his first disciples.
Simon called Peter and Andrew were fishing along the sea of Galilee. The two brothers were fishermen casting their nets out into the water and hoping to draw in a return. This was their vocation and livelihood.
As Jesus walked along the shore, he said to the brothers, “Come follow me.” At once, the two brothers left their nets and followed him. For them, the call to discipleship was an invitation to learn his teaching and follow his example. It demanded a break from their past and gave them a new future. Therefore, these two disciples gladly laid down their nets.
It is important to remember the call to discipleship is given to all people and can overcome any social divisions. This is because the foundation of such a call is based on who Jesus is. In fact, within the list of disciples is a man known as “Simon the Zealot.” During that time, to be a zealot was to be a member of a nationalistic party that was seeking independence from Rome.
Still, Simon can follow Jesus alongside Levi, who is a tax collector. In that society, these two groups were opposed to one another. Still, the commission to follow Jesus overcame their differences. We see then that Jesus calls people into fellowship regardless of social divisions.
As a person considers this call to discipleship, it must be done carefully because it demands a break with oneself. Like the disciples that laid down their nets, following Jesus will demand a break from the past. Alternatively, like both Simon and Levi, following Jesus will demand a break from social preferences. All of this is made clear by Jesus when he says, “whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” When we follow Jesus, he becomes greater, and we become less.
Ultimately, the decision to follow Jesus is worth the cost. Though it does involve a willingness to lay one's life down, there is a promise of picking up true life and reconnection with the father. As a student shapes him or herself after the pattern of Christ, they are made new in their attitudes and minds. They put on a new self that is like God in true righteousness and holiness. The disciple becomes Christ-like and experiences a truly abundant life.
Michael Hurlbert is pastor at First Christian Church.
