Stages Discipleship for Disciples

What is a Disciple?

Red – Answer Questions | Blue – Read Scripture As you start to disciple someone, you’ll need to explain, “What’s a disciple?” A simple answer is apprentice. We relate to Jesus like an apprentice in the trades (in medical terms: an intern). We’re in training as practitioners under our Master, Jesus. We learn from Him how to live as though Jesus is living our life in our time and space.

Discuss: Take time to discuss apprenticeship together. To become an electrician, you sign on as an apprentice. To be a doctor, you do an internship. What are the implications for the electrician? The doctor? It affects their whole life! (Ask, “How were Jesus’ disciples like apprentices?” Two ideas: they were with Him and learned to imitate Him. Discuss: How does this relate to us as Disciples?)

Discover: Examine together what Jesus says about being a disciple. (As you read, discuss: “What is Jesus’ view of discipleship? Why is He so demanding? How does our life measure up?”)

Obedient and teachable: Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I’m humble and gentle at heart, and you’ll find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. (Matthew 11:28-30) What would “yoke” mean?

Surrendered and sacrificing: If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you can’t be my disciple. And if you don’t carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple ... So you can’t become my disciple without giving up everything you own. (Luke 14:26-27, 33) Why “hate”? What does “carry your own cross” look like in a typical day?

Faithful and committed: Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You’re truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you’ll know the truth, and the truth will set you free. ... So if the Son sets you free, you’re truly free. (John 8:31-32, 36) Free to do what?

Loving and relating: So now I’m giving you a new commandment: Love each other.

Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you’re my disciples. (John 13:34-35) Why love?

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