What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?
"Disciple" can be an unclear word. We know kind of what it means, to be like Jesus.
Today, I’m starting a new series about “small groups.” Basically, how to set up and live out a great small group connection within a church.
In the church we have all kinds of programs and events. They’re usually great! But the most critical event for our lives is to be a disciple.
It was simple. “Come” and “follow me.” (Matthew 4:19)
First, we take the simplest but most profound step EVER - and say “yes Jesus, I will follow you - all of the days of my life!” And mean it sincerely. The adventure begins!
When have you said “yes” to Jesus?
What happened?
What was distinct about that moment?
What happened next?
Ok, so how does this relate to “small groups”? Essentially, small groups - or gathering in a home group - is about each week we meet, taking a small step, or saying “yes” to Jesus, again and again.
THIS is a disciple! Saying yes to Jesus.
Living each week, every day, as if Jesus were walking right beside us and showing us what to do! … Because he actually is.
You’re going to find out that I don’t like the name “small groups”! Why? A small group can be “anything” but a disciple group (which can be named a lot of things) is specifically about living as a disciple on planet earth, now. And - who ever said it was supposed to be “small”???? The language of “small groups” is less than what Jesus would call us to be and do!
I hear Jesus saying, “Wait! There’s SO much more! Get the whole thing, not just a piece of it!”
The point of a group of disciples is not to get a Bible study done. The point is not to be comfortable with each other. The point is not to laugh. All of these things might be byproducts of your time together! But they are not the point.
The point is to say Yes to Jesus throughout life - to have a group of people who help you identify where and how to say yes - and to actually do what that yes means!
Let me give you a few scriptures to reflect upon. As you reflect, ask this question of yourself, “How am I living like this?” That’s the point! Jesus never said stuff just so we could hear it. He said it so we could “do it.”
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ - Matthew 4: 1-4, NIV Note: Jesus does not say “yes” to the Devil but only says “yes” if that’s what God said to him. The Devil wants Jesus to say “yes” to the Devil’s idea about how to take care of hunger.
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. - Matthew 4:18-20
…do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.- Isaiah 41:10, NRSV
Then he [Jesus] went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. - Mark 6:6b-7, NRSV
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and can you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can nothing. - John 15:4-5
In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:35, NRSV
The hardest part, I think, about being a disciple, is making a plan day by day to “follow.” We need to be able to say (because we saw it happen in our life) - “I followed Jesus today.” This is the actual training to be and do like Jesus - like being in a gym and actually working out vs. watching someone else do it.
The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher. - Luke 6:40
There’s more to training to be a disciple. Jesus connects us on purpose with others! And this is where a “disciple group” comes in. We are not an island but Jesus connects us with people who are less - and more - knowing of Jesus than us.
This group meets to become changed by Jesus - to grow - and to show that growth by how we plan the week to follow Him.
The point is to say Yes to Jesus throughout life - to have a group of people who help you identify where and how to say yes - and to actually do what that yes means!
Go, find a group who is passionate about following Jesus by saying YES! to his call every week. Go, find a group who challenges you to be and do more with Jesus. Say “Yes” to Jesus more and more!
That’s being a disciple!