Last week I wrote about how to do discipleship from the perspective of discipling another person. We looked at the model Jesus provided as he discipled his followers. I briefly mentioned a few things a person being discipled might consider. Today, let’s look further.
The Jesus Model
Again, let’s look to the model we find in Jesus. Three things are evident:
- 1Jesus called his disciples.
- 2Jesus spent time with his disciples.
- 3Jesus had expectations of his disciples.
Let’s consider each one from the perspective of a person seeking discipleship.
Jesus Called His Disciples
If you are looking for someone to disciple you in the Christian faith, look for someone who is actively engaged in seeking out others to disciple. While they may not have asked you, if they are actively seeking others then it is evident that they are serious about discipleship. You can have confidence that they will mentor you.
There is no sense asking someone that you have never witnessed talking to others about their faith development. If they are not inviting others to Jesus, then don’t expect them to lead you to Jesus either.
You should be looking for a discipleship model that you want to develop in yourself.
Jesus Spent Time With His Disciples
You should also look for someone who is willing to commit time to disciple you. Are they willing to meet with you on Tuesday morning for coffee? Will they go fishing with you on Saturday? (Not really to fish, but to get away to talk about Jesus.) Will they go to lunch with you after Sunday worship to further discuss the pastor’s message? If they live close by to you, will they walk with you 2-3 times a week in the evening?
Sunday school and small groups simply will not do if you are wanting to truly be discipled. If the person you are considering only has time at church, find someone else. This is not the person you want.
Jesus Had Expectations of His Disciples
You must also understand, discipleship is about learning and practicing the teachings of Jesus. The person discipling you should model what that looks like. Then, at some point when they think you are ready, they should send you out to do it yourself.
You should be looking for someone whose life already demonstrates the life of Jesus. If they aren’t doing the things Jesus taught, then they are not your person. This person should also be willing to hold you accountable.
In martial arts, the instructor doesn’t just set around with his students talking about karate. He demonstrates it, teaches it, and then expects the students to replicate what they have been taught. If he is a good instructor, he expects the students to understand the movements also, not just replicate them.
The same is true with discipleship. You wouldn’t go to a karate instructor that doesn’t “do” karate himself. You wouldn’t go to a karate instructor that doesn’t spend time teaching his students. You wouldn’t go to a karate instructor that doesn’t expect his students to demonstrate an understanding of what they have been taught. Why would you treat discipleship any different?
The model of Jesus should really challenge the way we do discipleship.
Don't Settle
Yes. I got it. Finding someone that fits these criteria isn’t easy. I know.
It’s sad in fact. The model of Jesus should really challenge the way we do discipleship. More than challenge, it should change us.
Don’t settle when looking for someone to disciple you. Keep looking until you find such a person. For when you find them, you will have someone that can truly help you grow in your discipleship.
