Introduction
Discipleship is an essential part of the Christian faith, emphasizing a deep and committed relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In its simplest form, discipleship involves following Jesus, learning from Him, and becoming more like Him in every aspect of life. The Bible provides us with numerous examples of discipleship, from the disciples who walked with Jesus during His earthly ministry to the many individuals throughout history who have dedicated their lives to following and serving Him. Today, discipleship is still essential for believers to grow in their faith, to learn how to serve others, and to spread the message of the Gospel to a world in need. This process of discipleship often involves personal relationships, mentorship, and intentional community, where believers can come together to learn from one another, pray for one another, and encourage one another in their walk with Christ. In this sense, discipleship is not just a personal journey, but a communal one that involves the entire body of Christ. Through discipleship, believers can deepen their relationship with Jesus, become more like Him, and impact the world for His glory.
 
The Disciples
Discipleship is a term used to describe the process of becoming a disciple, or follower, of Jesus Christ. It involves not only learning from Jesus, but also becoming like Him and sharing His message with others. The concept of discipleship has its roots in the Bible, where Jesus chose twelve men to be His disciples and sent them out to share His teachings with others. These twelve men were chosen specifically by Jesus and had a unique opportunity to walk alongside Him, witness His miracles, and learn from Him firsthand.
Today, the practice of discipleship remains an important part of the Christian faith. It involves not only studying and understanding the teachings of Jesus, but also putting them into practice in our daily lives. Discipleship is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about transformation. It requires a willingness to let go of our old ways and to be shaped and molded by God into the person He wants us to be.
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As we look at the lives of the disciples, we can see how their encounters with Jesus changed them in profound ways. They went from being ordinary men to being leaders of a movement that would change the world. They were transformed by their experiences with Jesus, and this transformation allowed them to fulfill the purpose that God had for their lives.
In the same way, discipleship today can be a life-changing experience. It requires us to be open to the work of God in our lives, and to be willing to let go of our own desires and plans in order to follow Him. It involves not only learning from Jesus, but also allowing His teachings to shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. By doing so, we can become the kind of people that God wants us to be and fulfill the purpose that He has for our lives.

Matthew 9:9
Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Before his encounter with Jesus, Matthew was a tax collector, a despised and hated profession among the Jews. However, when Jesus passed by Matthew's tax booth, he called him to follow him, and Matthew immediately left his old life behind to become a disciple of Christ. As an apostle, Matthew witnessed Jesus' teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. He went on to write the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four Gospels in the New Testament, which recounts Jesus' life and teachings. Matthew's Gospel emphasizes Jesus' teachings and his fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and it continues to be a significant source of inspiration and guidance for Christians today.
 
Matthew 4:21 – 22
Jesus calls two of his disciples, James, and John, as they were fishing with their father Zebedee. Jesus says to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Without hesitation, James and John leave their nets and their father behind and follow Jesus. This passage highlights the power and immediacy of Jesus' call. James and John were not seeking to become disciples, but Jesus' words were compelling enough for them to leave everything and follow him. James and John were brothers and among the closest disciples of Jesus. They were both fishermen before they were called to be disciples. Jesus nicknamed them "Sons of Thunder" due to their fiery and zealous personalities. James and John were part of Jesus' inner circle, along with Peter, and witnessed some of the most significant events of Jesus' ministry, such as the transfiguration. They also had a desire for positions of power and prestige, as they asked Jesus to sit at his right and left hand in his kingdom. However, as they grew in their faith, they came to understand that true greatness lies in serving others, as Jesus exemplified. James was the first of the disciples to be martyred, while John lived to be an old man and wrote several books of the New Testament. This passage also illustrates the nature of discipleship - it requires sacrifice, leaving behind one's old way of life, and following Jesus with total commitment. 
 
John 1:35 - 42
Andrew and Simon Peter were brothers who were both fishermen and were among the first disciples chosen by Jesus.  The passage begins with John the Baptist pointing out Jesus as the "Lamb of God." Andrew and another disciple, likely John himself, follow Jesus and ask where he is staying. Jesus invites them to come and see, and they spend the day with him.  Andrew’s act of bringing his brother to Jesus shows his desire to share the good news of the Messiah with his own family. When Simon Peter meets Jesus, he receives a new name “Cephas” or “Peter” and a divine calling. Jesus saw something in Peter that no one else saw and had a specific plan for his life. Peter would become a significant figure in the early Church and his role as a foundation would play a crucial role in the spread of Christianity. This passage highlights the power of personal evangelism and the importance of each person’s unique calling in God’s plan.
 
John 1:43 – 51
Philip was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, and he had an interesting encounter with Jesus as recorded in John 1:43-45. Philip, who was from Bethsaida, was a disciple of John the Baptist. One day, as he was walking along, Jesus found him and called out to him, "Follow me." Philip immediately recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, and he was overjoyed to be in his presence. The first thing Philip did after meeting Jesus was to go and find his friend Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew. Philip excitedly told Nathanael that he had found the one whom Moses and the prophets wrote about, Jesus of Nazareth. Nathanael was initially skeptical, but he decided to go and see for himself. When Nathanael met Jesus, he was amazed that Jesus knew so much about him, and he declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." This encounter shows how Philip's enthusiasm and faith led him to share the good news of Jesus with others, and it also demonstrates how Jesus can reveal himself to people in unexpected ways.
 
These Christ encounters are a powerful reminder that when Jesus calls us to follow him, it is not a call to an easy life or to simply add him to our list of priorities. It is a call to surrender everything to him, to leave behind our old ways and follow him wholeheartedly. But the reward for this sacrifice is beyond measure, as we become part of God's grand plan to redeem the world and bring his Kingdom on earth. The example of the disciples shows us that no matter who we are, what our background or shortcomings may be, Jesus can transform us and use us for his purposes. It is a humbling and inspiring truth that gives us hope and motivation to follow him with all our hearts.   

Conclusion
As we have seen in these accounts that these men were deeply impacted when they had their Christ Encounters.  So, what does this mean for us today?  What can we learn and what can we take home with us?
  

1. Discipleship is about abandoning all and trusting Jesus (Come and follow).  Every disciple of Jesus gave up something to follow him.  In most cases it was their livelihood.  Some even left their families (they didn’t desert them but took time to follow and walk with Jesus.)  In their abandonment they had to put complete trust in Jesus to meet their needs (financially, spiritually and physically) and give them assurance that they were doing what was according to God’s will.  They had to trust that their leaving all behind was for the Kingdom of God. 
   What does this look like for you?  I can’t answer that question.  The only thing I can say is you and I must be willing to respond to Jesus when He calls.  Determine now if you are willing to drop all if that’s what he requires and trust He will provide along the way.  


2. Discipleship involves being inspired by and moved by the Holy Spirit to share and introduce others to Jesus (Come and meet).  The first thing both Philip and Andrew did after they committed to Jesus was to go and tell someone else about Jesus.  Are you introducing others to Jesus?  Some of you may not even know how to do this or what that looks like for you.  Jesus wants to be shared and not kept to oneself.  If you have the light of the World in your life, then you should want to share that light with others.  Sharing and introducing does not necessarily mean you need to be obnoxious and force the Gospel on others nor does it mean that you have to become the person that everyone walks away from when you enter the room because you are so in your face about their faith.  Sharing and introducing can be as simple as befriending non-believers and sharing what he has done in your life.  You can share how Jesus called you to repentance, gave you a new life and the ability to walk in His Spirit and he can do this for others as well. 
   
   
3. Discipleship is journey (Come and see).  Jesus told his disciples “You will see heaven opened…” we must be prepared to see great and mighty works as well.  Sometimes it may involve persecution and suffering, other times it may involve peace and joy, and it will include times of miracles and wonders.
   
   

The encounters the disciples had with Jesus were life-changing, and we too can have similar experiences. When we encounter Jesus, we must be willing to abandon all, share and introduce Him to others, be prepared for the journey of a lifetime, be transformed, and grow, and fulfill our purpose. May we be open to encountering Jesus in our lives and allowing Him to transform us and use us for His glory.
 

Introduction
The children's game "Simon Says" is a game about following what the leader, Simon, says.  It's a game of imitation and doing what the leader or teacher tells you to do. Many probably do not realize this, but "Simon Say" is a game of discipleship. I'll talk more about that in a minute.
 
Today we are starting a four-week study titled The Definition of Discipleship. In the next four weeks, we will look at…

1. What it means to be a disciple. (today)
2. What it means to make disciples (next week)
3. The responsibility of the church (Harry will teach)
4. Your responsibility in the church

 
Discipleship is one of the most important calls for the Christian individual and the church. There are conferences, retreats, books, and seminars designed around the concept and importance of discipleship. But do we know what it means to be a disciple? Do we know how to effectively be a disciple or be involved in discipling others? These are relatively easy questions to answer, but the practical processes are more involved. In the next four weeks, we will define the terms and practically answer what it means to be a disciple and the importance of discipleship individually and in the church.
 
What is a Disciple?
The Greek word for disciple is Matétés and means a person who learns from another through formal or informal instruction—'disciple, pupil[1].
In the New Testament, it generally denotes the men who have attached themselves to Jesus as their Master[2]. Thus, the process of Biblical discipleship is to be conformed to the image of Christ, which means we talk the way he talked, walk the way he walked, and respond the way he responded. In simple terms, discipleship is doing what the leader (Jesus) says; to imitate and emulate Him. It's about living your life worthy of the calling of Jesus by imitating Him! This brings us to the essential aspect of discipleship… If you don't know how the leader (Jesus) lived, then how can you imitate or emulate Him? Let’s take a look at how Jesus lived.
 
Background
Last week I introduced you to the Sermon the Mount and when Jesus finished preaching, He went out and ministered to the people.  He ministers by healing, (a leper, a paralytic, a blind man, a woman with a bleeding disorder, and Peter's mother-in-law) by performing miracles (He calms the storm, He casts out demons and evil spirits, and He brings a young girl back to life).  He spent much of his time ministering, healing, and teaching to those around him and this is when Jesus introduces the concept of discipleship.  
 
Matthew chapter 9:37- 38 concludes with Jesus' call to discipleship, he says, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Jesus notes there is plenty for the disciples to do, but there are not enough workers to accomplish the task he has set forth, so he tells the disciples to pray so the Lord would send them to the harvest.
 
Matthew 10:1 – 15 details Jesus’ call to his disciples to go out do what He has done.  He commissions them to go to the lost sheep of Israel and announce the Kingdom of God is at hand. When the disciples go and proclaim the Kingdom, they are commanded to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons.  Jesus commissions them to go out and do what He did.  Jesus does what all good leaders do…He models discipleship (shows them) and then commissions them to go out and do as he does.  This is called "The Law of Replication". 
A question that is asked frequently is, "What are some good programs, courses, and models for discipleship?"  It would be easy to point them to the thousands of books, courses, and models online, in churches and bookstores, but isn’t it better to point them to Jesus and His Word?  Jesus showed us how to be disciples and I believe firmly that discipleship is caught and not taught.  This simply means the best way to learn how to be a disciple is to be around other disciples who are following their calling as disciples of Jesus. 
 
Matthew 10:16 – 25
Jesus’ call to discipleship involves obedience, courage, and abandonment.  He tells the disciples he is sending them out as sheep among wolves!  He warns that they will face opposition, intense persecution, and those who you love, and trust may oppose you because of your call.  Jesus mentions that people won't hate and persecute them because they don't like them, instead they will hate them because they hated Him. Nevertheless, he gives them hope, assurance, and a promise, “everyone who endures to the end will be saved.” He instructs the disciples, when faced with opposition to leave and go to the next town.  Jesus sends his disciples and clearly lays out what they will face in their journey.  
 
Matthew 10:26 – 33
Jesus spent a good deal of time telling his disciples about the cost of discipleship, he encourages them not to fear the opposition.  He encourages them not to fear those who can kill the body and who cannot kill the soul, they are to fear the one who can destroy both body and soul.  In today’s terms it can mean do not fear those who try to control, bully, and intimidate you, instead, fear God because His kingdom, His righteousness, and His truth is what matters most.  The kind of fear he speaks about reverential awe.  This means that we know our place before a holy God.  The fear of God always reminds me of the interaction between Mr. Beaver and Susan in THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA by C.S. Lewis
 
Mr. Beaver says, “Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion."
"Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"
"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver ..." Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you." 

This is a perfect description of God. He holds the power of death and life; thus it does not make him safe, but He is also a loving God who cares deeply for us.  He cares about the sparrows, the grass, his creation and He certainly cares about you.  So, there is no need to worry or fear." 
 
Jesus gives the disciples the charge to be bold about their faith.  He warns of opposition and persecution.  He cautions about betrayal and intimidation.  He alerts that you may lose what is important and precious in your life for my sake.  He then encourages, don't let that stop you… Be bold, be courageous, because if you acknowledge him before men, then He will acknowledge you as one of His own.  If you deny Him before men, then He will deny you before the Father.
 
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are a disciple of Christ.  Today, I gave a general introduction to the call of the disciple. I hope I accomplished my goal for today is to help you of understand you are all called disciples of Jesus Christ and the call to discipleship is not something just for the ultra-spiritual, it is a call for everyone. 
My second goal is to help you practically discover a disciple is and how it can look for you today
 
What is a Disciple?

1. A disciple is one who is sent out to proclaim the truth.  Jesus calls his disciples to go to the lost sheep of Israel and share the good news of the Kingdom of God.  Jesus has also called you and me to go into the world and proclaim the Good News of Jesus. (Matthew 10:5)
2. A disciple is one who has authority in Christ Jesus gives authority to his disciples to proclaim good news, heal the sick, and cast out demons.  Jesus has given us this authority as well.  We have this authority given to us by God and we can accomplish it through the power of the Holy Spirit.  We are called to pray for healing, boldly proclaim His Gospel, and have authority to cast out evil in our midst. (Matthew 10:1)
3. A disciple is one who will face opposition/persecution Jesus was crystal clear on this point. The disciples will face opposition.  There is no getting around it.  If this is true for the first disciples, then it will be true for us today. There is a cost to discipleship.  You will face opposition and persecution and special relationships may be lost.  You need to decide, is following Jesus worth it? (Matthew 10:16-23)
4. A disciple is one who is bold You and I have great news that we are commissioned to share.  The news that Jesus is alive, and His Kingdom is at hand.  He is a good King and His Kingdom is like no other earthly kingdom.  We must proclaim this good news unashamedly and since we will face opposition we need to have boldness. (Matthew 10:32)
5. A disciple is one who is selfless. The call of discipleship is a call to the Kingdom of God and not a call to the Kingdom of me.  Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve.  When Jesus tells us to take up our cross and follow him, this is a call to selfless living.  It is the call to saying to our King, "I want to serve you.  I want to live for you.  I have desires, dreams and hopes for my life and I know you are a King who wants me to have good things, but I also know that I want YOU most of all." (Matthew 10:9, 38 – 39)

 
As I conclude this message, I want to encourage you to continue in your Bible Study guide in your bulletin and work through the daily reading and questions to help you continue discovering your call as a disciple of Jesus Christ.  The life of discipleship is not an easy life, but it is a good life.  Discipleship is not always a safe life, but it is a good life.  Discipleship does not always go the way we think it should, but it's not about us… It's about Jesus and the Good news of His death, resurrection, and Kingdom. 
 

[1] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 327.

[2] Karl Heinrich Rengstorf, “Μανθάνω, Καταμανθάνω, Μαθητής, Συμμαθητής, Μαθήτρια, Μαθητεύω,” in Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 441.