Disciples Making Disciples: Being a Disciple
Then Jesus came to them and said, 
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and mak disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).
We are called to ‘make disciples who make disciples’ and we recently received a tool to help us carry out this calling. The tool is called Discipleship Map and it is one of many gifts because Cedar Hills belongs to The Alliance of Reformed Churches (ARC). This map explores twelve essential qualities of a disciple who makes other disciples.
One essential is Being a Disciple. A disciple understands what it means to follow Jesus.
One of my favorite images of a growing disciple is the one who follows so close that they become covered in the dust of the one they follow. Being a disciple is more than sitting in a classroom memorizing information. Discipleship meant sharing meals, traveling, observing daily habits, and completely imitating the rabbi’s character and lifestyle.
When Jesus called his disciples to “follow me,” he was inviting them into a whole-life relationship. As followers of Jesus, this is still our call today. We follow close enough to Jesus that His way of loving, serving, and acting “rubs off” on us. (John 15 – abide.)
This Biblical vision of following is found in the story of Mary and Martha. (Luke 10:38-42) Martha was caught up in preparing to serve Jesus. Mary simply sat at the feet of Jesus. And Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better.” (Luke 10:41-42).
A disciple chooses to follow Jesus. Discover more by watching this video: The Choice.
May the Lord be with you.
Kent Landhuis
Pastor of Teaching & Leadership
