Jesus is Not Looking for Another Church-Goer
by: Janie Denney
July 10, 2024
“The greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heartbreaking needs, is whether those who… are identified as “Christians” will become disciples — students, apprentices, practitioners — of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to live the life of the Kingdom of the Heavens into every corner of human existence.” Dallas Willard, The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus’s Essential Teachings on Discipleship
My heart is burdened for the cultural Christian.
The Christian who answered an altar call and “gave their life to Jesus” but bears no resemblance to the Christ that they profess. The Christian who believes in Jesus but lives and talks like nonbelievers- exhibiting the fruit of the world instead of the fruit of Christ. The Christian who shuns church and godly fellowship believing it to be boring and unnecessary, after all he/she was baptized and “saved” as a baby. The Christian who claims to endorse the doctrines and values of Christianity but does not have a true relationship with the living King. A cultural Christian lives a life characterized by spiritual bareness and futility.
I am burdened for the cultural Christian because I remember what it was like to be one.
My faith was a rollercoaster until I met the Holy Spirit and understood the assignment and calling on my life as a disciple of Jesus. When we understand the true call of discipleship, it changes us. It changes everything.
Jesus’s highest call for your life is to be a disciple.
What is a Disciple?
“A person who is simply a man of faith is [not] a disciple.” Saint Maximus
What exactly is a disciple? First, let's look at the role of Jesus as it relates to a disciple. According to scripture and Judaism culture, Jesus was looked at and considered a rabbi because of His teaching ministry. John tells us this translates to teacher (John 1:38). Thus, Jesus’ disciples were students.
The English word “disciple” translates to “talmid” in Hebrew. Talmid refers to a student or apprentice who works closely with a teacher to learn by observing and imitating them.
In Judaism, a talmid would often live with and travel with a rabbi as part of their education. The relationship between a rabbi and their talmid was intense and personal, and the talmid would devote themselves to becoming like their teacher.
In Matthew 4:18-22, Jesus calls his first disciples, and we see the sacrificial role of a talmid firsthand:
“While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”
Who is a Disciple?
“You see, Jesus is not looking for converts to Christianity; he’s looking for apprentices in the kingdom of God.” John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way
Jesus is not looking for another church-goer. He is looking for a follower who will abide, love, and surrender everything to Him. He is looking for a personal relationship. The invitation of discipleship is open to all. Jesus calls everyone to be a disciple.
In scripture, the first disciples were the original 12 apostles of Jesus. They were chosen by Jesus to spread the gospel.
Some characteristics of a disciple include:
Being patient, kind, and gentle
Living a consecrated life that is submitted to God's will
Living a sacrificial life for others
Working diligently
Being involved and committed to following Jesus to the end
The Bible defines discipleship in several places throughout scripture, but is clearly defined in Luke 14 which says a disciple is someone who has surrendered to Jesus and is wholly dedicated to him.
How to be a Disciple?
“You can be friends with Jesus. Like Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said, you can sit before Jesus daily, letting him speak to you, teach you, and above all love you. This is ‘the life that is truly life.’” John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way
Jesus invites people to become his disciples in two main ways:
"Follow me" (Matthew 16:24)
"Come to me" (Matthew 11:28-30).
There are practical ways to abide and become like Him in your journey of discipleship. I recently read a book called “Practicing the Way” by John Mark Comer that provides a detailed description of how to be a modern day disciple.
In Matthew 28: 19-20, Jesus says, “‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
After Jesus died and resurrected, he returned to earth and commissioned his followers to make, baptize, and teach disciples.
I want to extend Jesus’ invitation to you today.
Are you willing to lay down your life to follow Jesus? Are you willing to surrender your image and pride to follow the one who created you? Jesus is calling you to be a disciple.
Worship
Prayer for Today
Jesus, I come before you in gratitude for your Holy Word. Thank you for revealing your truth to me in scripture. I surrender my life to you today. I acknowledge that I have often lived for myself, seeking my own desires and ambitions instead of following your will. I repent for my self-centeredness and ask for your forgiveness. Help me to turn away from sin and to turn towards you wholeheartedly. Holy Spirit, I invite you into my life to be my teacher and guide — show me how to be a disciple of Jesus. May my life be a testament to your glory, as I seek to honor you in all that I do. In Jesus' name, amen.
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