Jesus gave a clear command to His followers before He returned to heaven. He said,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
This instruction is often called the Great Commission.
It shows how much Jesus wants His followers to continue His work on earth.
Christian discipleship is a response to this command.
It is the ongoing process of following Jesus, learning from Him, and helping others do the same.
It is not just about believing in Jesus but about living in a way that reflects His teaching and love.
What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple?
A disciple is a person who follows a teacher. In Christian faith, that teacher is Jesus Christ.
Being a disciple means listening to Jesus, watching how He lived, and doing the same. It also means growing in faith every day.
A disciple spends time reading the Bible, praying, and being with other believers. The Bible says,
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
This verse shows that being a disciple involves sacrifice and daily commitment. It is not something that happens once.
It is something a person chooses to do over and over again, each day.
How Did Jesus Teach His Disciples?
Jesus spent three years with His closest followers. He walked with them, ate with them, and talked with them.
He taught them by using stories, asking questions, and showing them how to live.
He did not just talk to them; He lived with them. The Bible says,
“And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach” (Mark 3:14).
Jesus showed love, patience, and kindness. He also corrected His disciples when they were wrong.
Through all of this, Jesus showed what it means to live for God.
Why Is Discipleship Important in the Church?
The church is more than a place of worship. It is a family of believers who support each other.
Discipleship helps people grow in faith and live like Jesus. Older Christians can help younger ones.
New believers can learn from those who have followed Jesus for a long time. The Bible says,
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
This means believers can help each other become stronger in their faith.
Discipleship in the church also helps keep people close to God. It is a way of walking together in love and truth.
What Are the Signs of a True Disciple?
A true disciple shows love, patience, and kindness. They obey Jesus, even when it is hard.
They forgive others, pray often, and care for people in need. Jesus said,
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
Love is the mark of a disciple. Not just love in words, but love in actions.
A disciple does not try to be better than others. Instead, they serve others just like Jesus did.
How Can Someone Start Discipleship?
The first step is to trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
After that, a person should read the Bible every day and talk to God in prayer.
It helps to join a local church and connect with other believers.
Finding someone to learn from is also helpful. The Bible says,
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
No one can walk the path of discipleship alone.
God uses people to help each other grow. With time, each believer can also help others follow Jesus. That is how disciples make more disciples.