Jesus the Disciple-maker

Jesus of Nazareth is the greatest disciple-maker of all time and history.

Jesus not only defined discipleship, but his example and model of disciple-making is unsurpassed, and the disciple-making revolution he initiated continues to grow in numbers and influence across humanity, every ethnic group and throughout the world.

Jesus must therefore be considered the greatest mentor in human history.

(At this point I am using my own mentor, Rick Lewis’s definitions from his book ‘Mentoring Matters’, where he defines Mentoring as: ‘within intentional, empowering, unique relationships, Christian mentoring identifies and promotes the work of God’s Spirit in other’s lives, assisting them to access God’s resources for their growth and strength in spirituality, character and ministry.’ Lewis goes on to point out that discipling is remarkably similar to the mentoring he has just defined, but then bemoans the fact that across the Christian community, ‘the term ‘discipling’ is generally not used in its far-reaching biblical sense’. Tragically, church communities often view baptised converts as ‘discipled’ if they have completed a short introductory course to Christianity!)

Jesus taught that discipleship takes place within the context of the kingdom of heaven.

Here are some of Jesus’ leading statements on discipleship.

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, (those who simply haven’t got a clue about spiritual things), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’ - Matthew 5:3.

‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves take up their cross and follow me … I tell you the truth there are some standing here (some reading this plan) who will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power’ - Mark 8:34, 9:1

‘The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them’ - Matthew 13:11

‘If you hold to my teaching you are truly my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free’ - John 8:31

‘A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another’ - John 13:34-35

In summary, the word disciple carries the meanings inherent in the words ‘learner’, ‘student’ and ‘follower’. All discipleship takes place within the context of the kingdom of God. Or in my own words, ‘a disciple is an apprentice in the family business of the kingdom of God’.