What Does It Mean To Be A Disciple

What is discipleship?

Discipleship; Is a journey, that allows us to think about who we are, what we stand for and what we can do, in order to grow spiritually and in the Kingdom of God.

Discipleship is not easy, because there are so many factors in this world, which can cause a distraction and a barrier to our spiritual growth. We can fall short of God's glory and we can be fearful of judgement, but we do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

It is the start to a challenging yet beautiful journey, because there is so much power in the name of Jesus.

In the Bible, Disciples are referred to individuals who are believers and followers of Jesus Christ. There were many people in the bible who were believers of Christ, but only twelve men; whom Jesus could call on, depend on and trust. These disciples (also known as Apostles) are important men, chosen to be messengers, who would help Jesus fulfill the plans that were promised over his life.

So who are the Disciples, that traveled many years, with our Lord Saviour? Let's introduce the first six, by starting with the following scripture.

John Chapter 15, verses, 5‭-‬8 reads: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

MATTHEW

Job Title: Tax Collector

Family: Son of Alphaeus

In the Gospel, we see that, Matthew was chosen in Matthew Chapter 9, verse 9, which reads: As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.

Simon (PETER) AND ANDREW

Job Title: Fishermen

Family: Sons of Jonah

In the Gospel, we see that, Simon was chosen in Mark Chapter 1, verses 16-17, which reads: And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

James and joHN

Job Title: Fishermen

Family: Sons of Zebedee

In the Gospel, we see that, James was chosen in Mark Chapter 10, verses 35-37 which reads; Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”

PHILLIP

Job Title: Preacher

Family: Unknown (If you know, please let me know, as I have been searching for this information) From the village of Bethsaida.

In the Gospel, we see that, Phillip was chosen in John Chapter 1, verse 43, which reads; The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.”

Throughout the bible, we see men, whom to others were not worthy to be chosen, but what’s beautiful here; is that Jesus saw potential in all of these individuals and he knew he could teach them a different way of life, which came with new assignments, perspectives, opportunities and a special purpose. Jesus came not to cast people down, but to raise people from their flaws, their sins and to give them another chance in life and he knew that with his love, patience and time, his disciples would grow and transform into their positions, which God had already written out for them.

It is a wonderful story, because we see that no matter what these men went through, were going through and no matter how far they may have fallen, in each and every one of them, Jesus saw; troubles, yet dependable, boastful, yet hard-working yet boastful, kind, wise, trustworthy and assertive men, who would be capable of bringing together and building a community, who would spread the word of whom Jesus Christ is and to be the gateway that saved souls, through spreading the Gospel.

This is a powerful reminder, that if we have the faith and the mindset to the follow Jesus and put our all into his Kingdom, we are not just becoming good stewards and servants, but we also helping out our friends and family, by sharing what Jesus is capable of doing in each our lives. We can share by praying for one another, worshiping together and even just reading a scripture together, those are the first steps into discipleship and we are all able to that, if we are willing to be of the world and not in the world.

John Chapter 14, verses 1‭-‬3 reads; “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

There you have it, the first six disciples. If there is any important information that I have missed out, please let me know in the comments below.

We will come back to other six, very soon! xx