In a world filled with distractions and desires, the call to discipleship remains radical and alluring. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once stated, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” This encapsulates the essence of true discipleship, a call that requires relinquishing self and a wholehearted commitment to follow Jesus. While Jesus’ pursuit of the lost is evident in parables like the lost sheep and the lost coin, the journey of discipleship requires more than a mere acknowledgment of His pursuit. It demands the response to His invitation: “Follow Me.”
The Cost of Discipleship:
Deitrich Bonhoeffer’s powerful words remind us that discipleship is not an endeavor for the faint-hearted. It involves a willingness to surrender personal ambitions, comforts, and even one’s own life for the sake of Christ. This call is not one that promises an easy path but rather an authentic and transformative faith journey (Matt 16:24).
The Essence of Worship in Discipleship:
Worship, in its truest form, is the exclusive reverence of someone or something. In the context of discipleship, it is the act of offering ourselves as living sacrifices to the One who calls us. Jesus approached not only unbelievers but also those who considered themselves believers. Their faith, however, was challenged as they encountered Jesus’ call to “Follow Me.” This call shook their foundations and revealed the depth of their commitment (Matt 9:9).
The Radically Pursuing Savior:
Through the Gospels, we witness Jesus’ radical pursuit of the lost. The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin illustrate His relentless love and determination to bring back those who have strayed. These parables emphasize the joy in heaven over a single sinner who repents, underlining the immense value Jesus places on each individual’s journey back to Him (Luke 15).
The Command to “Follow Me”:
The Gospels are adorned with instances where Jesus directly utters, “Follow Me.” In these words lies a divine invitation that challenges us to forsake the familiar and embrace the unknown. These calls are not mere invitations to join a movement; they are invitations to walk in the Savior’s footsteps, learn from Him, and allow Him to transform our lives (John 10:27).
The Fruit of Discipleship:
Discipleship is not just a commitment but a journey that bears fruit. Deitrich Bonhoeffer beautifully illustrates that just as fruit is a miraculous creation of a tree, the fruit of the Spirit is a gift from God Himself. As we follow Jesus, staying close to the source of spiritual life, we experience the growth of this fruit in our lives. “Fruit is always the miraculous, the created; it is never the result of willing, but always a growth. The fruit of the Spirit is a gift of God, and only He can produce it. They who bear it know as little about it as the tree knows of its fruit. They know only the power of Him on whom their life depends” – The Cost of Discipleship –
Making Jesus the Master Teacher:
Jesus isn’t merely a figurehead of faith; He is the Rabbi, the Master Teacher of our lives. The disciplines of faith and fellowship, combined with the unwavering commitment to follow Him, shape us into His image. Our journey of discipleship is a lifelong process of learning from the Master and allowing His teachings to mold our character.
The Bonds of Gospel Friendships:
Obedience to Jesus’ call to “Follow Me” not only leads to transforming our individual lives but also fosters deep and meaningful friendships. The journey of discipleship is not meant to be traveled alone; it is a path best walked in the company of fellow believers. In the New Testament, we see a beautiful example of gospel friendships formed by following Jesus together. Acts 4:13 captures this essence: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” This verse reflects the shared mission that arises when individuals commit to walking alongside one another to pursue Christ. These friendships are built on the foundation of shared faith, mutual encouragement, and the common goal of becoming more like Jesus.
As believers respond to Jesus’ invitation, they grow closer to Him and one another. The discipleship journey becomes a shared experience, creating a space where vulnerability, support, and accountability thrive. Just as Jesus formed a close-knit community with His disciples during His earthly ministry, modern-day disciples are called to cultivate similar gospel friendships. These friendships go beyond surface interactions; they involve sharing life’s joys and struggles, bearing one another’s burdens, and spurring on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Gospel friendships forged to follow Jesus are not limited by age, background, or circumstance. They are marked by a common commitment to Christ and a shared longing to grow in His likeness. These friendships become a source of strength, providing a safe space to confess sins, celebrate victories, and seek guidance. They mirror the unity and love Christ prayed for His disciples to experience in John 17:20-23.
Action Step:
Intentionally cultivate deep gospel friendships – Engage in shared worship and discipleship, modeling the unity and love Christ prayed for in John 17:20-23.
Conclusion:
Amid a world cluttered with distractions and desires, the call to discipleship is radical and compelling. Echoing Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s words—”When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die“—this embodies true discipleship, entailing surrender and a wholehearted commitment to follow Jesus. While Jesus’ pursuit of the lost is evident in parables like the lost sheep and the lost coin, discipleship transcends simply acknowledging His pursuit; it necessitates embracing His invitation: “Follow Me.”
In conclusion, the call to “Follow Me” invites personal transformation and meaningful relationships. Discipleship intertwines with genuine gospel friendships, showcasing the transformative power of worshipful fellowship. As we collectively respond to Jesus’ call, our lives resonate with the beauty of His pursuit and the strength of united discipleship.
Josh Cehulik 