The Call to Discipleship
Scripture:
Mark 3:14-19- He also appointed 12—He also named them apostles—to be with Him, to send them out to preach, 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 He appointed the Twelve: To Simon, He gave the name Peter; 17 and to James the son of Zebedee, and to his brother John, 18 Andrew; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew (Levi) and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.
Reflection:
In the first sermon of the "Becoming the Twelve" series, we are introduced to the concept of discipleship as seen through the lens of the twelve disciples whom Jesus called by name. The passage from Mark 3:13-19 presents a pivotal moment when Jesus chooses His twelve disciples, a group of ordinary men who would become extraordinary witnesses to His ministry, death, and resurrection.
Mark 3:13-15 says, "Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons." The process of discipleship begins with a call—Jesus’ invitation to "Follow Me." This simple yet profound call is not just about walking behind Jesus; it’s about leaving behind one's former life to fully devote oneself to Him.
The term "disciple" comes from the Greek word mathetes, meaning learner or follower. Unlike mere students who seek knowledge, discipleship in the biblical sense involves a complete transformation of life. To be a disciple of Jesus means to not only learn from Him but also to seek to become like Him. This involves aligning one’s entire lifestyle with the teachings, actions, and example of Jesus.
The pastor highlights that discipleship requires a commitment that goes beyond the superficial. Dr. George Barna’s research shows that while a significant portion of Americans identify as Christians, only a small fraction live out the true standards of discipleship. This raises a challenging question for us: Are we truly following Jesus, or are we merely identifying with Him in name only?
Reflection Questions:
1. How do you define discipleship in your own life?
2. What does the call to "Follow Me" mean to you personally?
3. In what ways can you more fully commit to being a disciple of Jesus?
Application:
Take time today to reflect on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Consider the areas of your life that need realignment with His teachings. Make a list of specific steps you can take to follow Jesus more closely—whether it's spending more time in prayer, studying His Word, or serving others in His name.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me to be Your disciple. Help me to understand the depth of what it means to follow You. Give me the courage to leave behind anything that hinders my walk with You and to fully devote myself to learning from You and becoming more like You. Guide me as I seek to live out true discipleship in every area of my life. In Your name, Amen.