All Disciples

Jim Gossweiler   -  

You may be like me and listen to Pastor Drew Shofner’s* messages and hear him emphasize certain ideas and themes. One recurring message I hear in Pastor Drew’s preaching is how we’re all disciples of Christ. And he’s right.

As Christ followers, we are called to walk in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To be a disciple is to be a student, a follower, one who embraces the teachings and ways of Jesus. The call to discipleship echoes throughout the pages of scripture, inviting us to journey with Jesus and learn from Him.

Matthew 4:19 says, “Come, follow me,” and with these words, Jesus beckoned a small group of fishermen to leave their nets and join Him on a path of transformation and growth. In the same way, He calls us today to lay aside our fears and doubts, and to follow Him with all our hearts.

A disciple of Jesus Christ is one who is willing to listen and learn, to grow in their understanding of who Jesus is and what He desires for us. John 8:31-32 reminds us, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

~ To be a disciple is to hold fast to the teachings of Jesus, to seek the truth and be transformed by it.

As we walk with Jesus, we are called to love as He loved, to serve as He served, and to sacrifice as He sacrificed. 1 Peter 2:21 says, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.”

~ To be a disciple is to follow the example of Jesus, to lay down our lives for others and to live in a way that reflects His love and compassion.

The call to discipleship requires commitment and dedication, but it also brings with it the promise of abundant life. Jesus tells us in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

~ To be a disciple is to experience the fullness of life that comes from walking with Jesus and experiencing His love and grace.

Finally, being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not a solitary journey, but one that is shared with a community of believers…the church. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human leaders, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

~ To be a disciple is to serve alongside others, to work together for the kingdom of God and to find joy in the fellowship of the saints.

The call to discipleship is a call to a life transformed by the love and grace of Jesus Christ. It is a call to:

  • Follow Him
  • Learn from Him
  • Serve like Him
  • Serve with Him

As we embrace this call, we find ourselves walking in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd, experiencing the fullness of life, and growing in our understanding of who He is and what He desires for us. May we answer this call with open hearts and eager spirits, and may we journey with Him as faithful and loving disciples, now and always.

What can you do, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, to advance His message of grace and peace?

*Pastor Drew Shofner is the Lead Pastor at The Church  at Severn Run located in Severn Maryland.

JG