“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
When you read about the life of Jesus it is clear that He came to earth for one purpose – to make disciples. When He left planet earth He gave His followers one job – to make more disciples. This should tell us something. Whether you are a doctor, a bus driver, a preacher, or a construction worker, you were created for one purpose. Whether you have a PhD or a GED, you were put on this planet for one purpose. We all exist to follow Jesus, and to lead others to do the same.
In the 1st Century the word “disciple” didn’t mean what we take it to mean today. It didn’t refer to a pupil in a school who sat and learned certain truths or certain principles. More accurately, it meant an apprentice. A disciple was someone who didn’t just learn principles, or ideas, or even a philosophy. A disciple was someone who learned a way of life. A disciple was a follower, not just of a set of teachings, but of the teacher himself and the way the teacher lived.
The life of a true disciple of Jesus means following Him. It means we will become more like Him. And Jesus’ life was one of grace, service, and ultimately, death. Jesus should be the passion of our life, because of the cross. If Jesus had such passion for God’s glory that He was willing to die on the cross, we should have such passion for Him that we are willing to live under the cross as one of His disciples.
Are you following Jesus…learning from Him and growing to be more like Him? If so, are you bringing others into the fold along the way, saying to them, as Paul said to the Corinthian believers, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ?” This is the purpose for which you were created…to become a disciple of Jesus and then to become a disciple-maker for Jesus.
Dear Lord, I want to live my life fulfilling the purpose for which I was made, to be a disciple of Jesus and a disciple-maker for Jesus. Please grant me the desire and the opportunity to walk out that calling every chance I get. In Jesus' name, amen.
Topics: Discipleship
