Discipleship

Many of today’s college students take an internship with a company in their desired field as a part of their required curriculum. As an intern, a student is saying to his employer, “I want you to teach me what you have successfully learned to do.” This is similar to being a disciple of Jesus, except that the duration is not for a few months or a year, but for life. Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). He also said, “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). Jesus further affirmed the importance of discipleship when He told His followers, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19, 20).

God’s design is for new Christians to learn from mature Christians how to follow Jesus. The apostle Paul told young believers, “Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1), and in 2 Timothy 1:13-14 he encouraged us to “Hold on to the pattern of right teaching you learned from me. And remember to live in the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.” In the local church, you need to find mature believers who not only teach you the Word of God, but demonstrate it with their lives. The Bible itself is a mentor and teacher, but every young believer needs someone to help him understand and apply the word to his life -much like children do not learn just by reading a textbook, but by having a teacher explain the concepts.

As you follow Jesus and learn from Him through other believers and His word, you will grow in your faith, be strengthened in your relationship with God, and fully become the person He wants you to be. You will advance His kingdom and bring glory to His name.

Verses

“You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31, 32).

“A student is not greater than the teacher. A servant is not greater than the master.” (Matthew 10:24).

“Hold on to the pattern of right teaching you learned from me. And remember to live in the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 1:13).