The Question: Why is discipleship so important?
The Answer: Without discipleship Christianity ceases to exist.
Oh sure, church will exist. People will continue to "go to" church. People will give their tithe. People will read their Bibles. People will pray.
But none of these is discipleship. In fact, none of these are Christianity.
Let's be clear. All of these are practices of Christianity, but they are not what makes a person a Christian. They certainly don't make a person a disciple.
A disciple is one who accepts and assists in the spreading of the doctrines of Jesus.
The word, "Christian" is just another term used to describe disciples of Jesus. "Christian" is a term used much later to describe those who followed Jesus. (see this article) We were disciples first.
Meaning at Risk
Today we are at risk of losing the meaning of these two words that mean the same.
We seem to think that Christian merely means one who believes in Jesus and that's all that matters. They are going to heaven when they die. That's it.
We have also confused discipleship to mean the same thing. Discipleship has lost its meaning and now means the same thing as the modern understanding of Christian – a person going to heaven when they die. There is no discipling of anything or anyone. Just a belief.
What Would Jesus Say
I wonder if Jesus would have treated Peter, James, or John the same way if they followed these modern-day beliefs.
What if Nathanael had said, "Yeah sure, I believe Jesus is the Son of God, but I think I am going to sit right here under this tree and do my own thing."
What if Bartholomew told Jesus, "No, I don't think I am going to let my works be seen before men so God can be glorified. In fact, I ain't doing jack. I'm going fishing and not for people. I am keeping all my money to myself. And, ain’t no way I am forgiving that guy down the street. Not happening.
What if any of those Jesus had called to discipleship (to fish for men) simply refused to do what Jesus instructed? Would Jesus had treated them the same. Would he have said, "Oh guys, that's okay. I'll see you in heaven anyway. Really, I don't expect you to do anything. I was just joking. It's okay. All you have to do is believe."
The Gospel's Perspective
If we look at the gospels and the recorded words of Jesus, we simply can't come away with that idea. If we look at the teaching of Jesus, discipleship is imperative. Jesus expected his followers to… well…follow him.
if you love me you will keep my commandments
Jesus says things like if you love me you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15)
He says things those who do the will of my Father in heaven are my family. (Matthew 12:46-50)
I wonder if we would be better off if we would return to the term disciple to refer to those who follow Jesus.
What if we stopped thinking that going to church was all that was involved? Imagine, as in the days of Jesus, there were no red brick buildings called churches. Church in that day were the people who followed Jesus.
What if being a disciple of Jesus meant what the term actually means?
We adhere to his teaching. We hear them, read them, study them, and then go do them. I wonder if then we would understand why discipleship is so important.
