Becoming A Disciple

Introduction:

When Jesus told the apostles in Matthew 28:19 to “make disciples of all the nations,” what was He telling them to do?  When He told them in Matthew 10:24 that “a disciple is not above his teacher,” what was He trying to get them to understand?  So in this lesson we want to examine what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.  The rewards are too great to lose.  (John 12:26)

Body:

I. A Disciple in the First Century

· A disciple would often travel with and even live with the rabbi.  They would watch the rabbi’s behavior and reactions in everyday situations.  They wanted to become as much like their rabbi as possible.

· Today Christians are to be disciples of our master Jesus. (John 13:13-15)

· Jesus is our Teacher.  (Matthew 23:8-10) 

II. Elijah and Elisha

· Elijah was a great prophet in Israel.  He performed many wonderful miracles.  But the Lord spoke to him one day and told him to anoint Elisha as his successor.  This is what then happened.  (I Kings 19:19-21)  This may indicate that Elisha hesitated for a moment and wanted to see his parents one last time.  But when Elijah told him to go back, he promptly sacrificed a yoke of oxen and burned the yoke and went after Elijah.  Spangler believes this is what Jesus was referring to in Luke 9:57-62.  Jesus was an example of one who left all to serve God.  (Philippians 2:5-7)  He led a difficult life physically and warned others that if they chose to be His disciples, they would have difficulties as well.  (Mark 8:34-38)

· The second thing we learn about discipleship from Elijah and Elisha is that a disciple lives with his teacher.  Elisha followed Elijah and lived with him year after year.  This was necessary if Elisha was going to become like Elijah.  The disciple assisted Elijah wherever he went.  This is the kind of relationship Jesus had with His disciples.  They went with Him to all kinds of places.  (Matthew 9:9-13)  These kinds of episodes helped the disciples in becoming more like Jesus.  The more we become like Christ, the greater and more fulfilled our lives will be.  (II Corinthians 3:18)

· We also learn about the deep devotion that Elisha developed toward Elijah.  On Elijah’s last day on earth, Elisha would not let him out of his sight.  (II Kings 2:1-14) Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit as an eldest son would of the inheritance from his father.   This bond is seen as well between Jesus’ disciples and their Master.  See Matthew 4:18-22 and Mark 10:28.  Understanding this bond helps us realize the terrible anguish Peter felt at denying his master.

Conclusion:

Being a disciple of Jesus our Master means continually changing to become more and more like Him.  It’s about transformation.  (Galatians 2:20)

 Bobby Stafford   

 March 3, 2013