Jesus’ invitation to discipleship in Luke 9:23 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” is not for the faint of heart. It’s not a call to casual association or admiration from afar. The words of Jesus cut to the heart of what it means to be His disciple. They’re not a gentle suggestion, but rather, a revolutionary call that demands nothing less than our entire lives. Let’s delve into the profound implications of what it means to be a disciple, examining the call in light of related biblical texts.

Discipleship is a call to:

Commune: Daily Quiet Time Alone

In John 15, Jesus offers a profound metaphor for our relationship with Him: “I am the vine; you are the branches.” This imagery emphasizes our utter dependence on Christ for spiritual vitality and fruitfulness. To “abide” in Him means to maintain a constant, living connection—a connection nurtured through daily time spent in His presence through prayer and study of His Word.

Jesus Himself modelled this practice, rising “very early in the morning, while it was still dark” to pray (Mark 1:35). This time of communion with the Father was the wellspring of His ministry. As His disciples, we’re called to follow His example, setting aside time for secret fellowship with God. Jesus promises that such devotion bears much fruit, bringing glory to the Father (John 15:8). Indeed, happy and fruitful is the disciple who spends time alone with Him in secret (Matthew 6:6).

Confide: Daily Trusting in the Master’s Provision

Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25-34 are a powerful reminder of God’s faithful provision. “Look at the birds of the air,” He says, “they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” This teaching calls us to trust in God’s care, freeing us from anxiety about our daily needs.

This truth is beautifully illustrated in the account of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:2-16). During a severe drought, God provided miraculously for His prophet and, through him, for a widow and her son. Similarly, in the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus demonstrates how God’s provision often overflows, blessing not only His disciples but also those around them. These accounts remind us that as we trust in God’s provision, we become channels of His blessing to others.

Capitulate: Daily Submission and Obedience

Taking up our cross involves a daily surrender of our will to God’s sovereign authority. It echoes Christ’s words in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). This isn’t a one-time decision, but a moment-by-moment process of sanctification, as we’re “transformed by the renewal of [our] mind” (Romans 12:2).

Jesus taught this lesson of submission to His disciples on two pivotal occasions: at the beginning of His ministry (Luke 5:4) and after His resurrection (John 21:6). In both instances, He instructed them to cast their nets after fruitless nights of fishing. As experienced fishermen, they could have relied on their own expertise and politely declined. Instead, their obedience led to overwhelming catches, demonstrating the joy and wonder that come from yielding to Christ’s will. These miraculous catches bookend Jesus’ earthly ministry, emphasising a crucial lesson: it is always in our best interest to take Him at His word, even when it seems to contradict our own understanding or experience. The disciples’ submission, despite their professional knowledge, resulted in abundance beyond their expectations.

As disciples, we’re called to this same posture of humble submission, trusting that God’s ways are higher than our own. When we capitulate our will to His, we open ourselves to experiences of His power and provision that far exceed what we could achieve through our own efforts or understanding.

Consult: Daily Enquiring What He Would Have Us Do

True discipleship involves actively seeking God’s guidance in our daily lives. The Psalmist models this attitude when he prays, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth” (Psalm 86:11). This aligns with Paul’s exhortation to “discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). It’s a continual posture of asking, “Lord, what would you have me do?”

The early church exemplified this practice of seeking divine direction. We see it vividly in the account of Philip, who was led by the Spirit to minister to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40). This encounter, divinely orchestrated, resulted in the eunuch’s conversion and baptism. It reminds us that as we seek God’s will and follow His leading, He can use us in powerful and unexpected ways to advance His kingdom.

Courage: Daily Readiness to Suffer if Need Be

Following Jesus includes a willingness to suffer for His sake. Peter reminds us, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). We embrace this, knowing that we share in Christ’s sufferings so that we may also share in His glory (Romans 8:17).

Jesus demonstrated this reality when He led His disciples into a storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41). This experience teaches us two crucial lessons: First, the Master is always with us, even when He seems silent. Second, what appears as needless hardship may be part of God’s greater plan. Just as Jesus crossed the sea to heal one demon-possessed man, our trials may be part of God’s purpose to bring healing and restoration to others in ways we can’t foresee.

Commit: Daily Preparedness to Die

The cross ultimately symbolises death, and while not all are called to physical martyrdom, we are all called to die to ourselves daily. As Paul declares, “I die every day!” (1 Corinthians 15:31). This daily dying to self allows Christ to live more fully in us, fulfilling His words: “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25).

While not all truths are worth dying for—the colour of one’s shirt, for instance, is inconsequential: we might let it pass if someone insists it’s red when in fact it’s green—the truths of Scripture are of utmost importance. Stephen boldly proclaimed the truth despite the venom and poison his audience was spewing at him. Even as stones rained down upon him, he followed Christ’s example, praying for his persecutors (Acts 7:59-60). We’re also reminded of John Bradford, who, as recorded in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, consoled his fellow martyr John Leaf with these words: “Be of good comfort, brother, for we shall have a happy supper with the Lord tonight.” These examples of unwavering faith in the face of death exemplify the ultimate commitment to God’s truth. Their courage challenges us to hold fast to the essential truths of our faith, even when confronted with severe opposition or the threat of death.

Conclusion: As we reflect on the depth and breadth of Jesus’ call to discipleship, we’re confronted with both its cost and its incomparable worth. To deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus is to embark on a journey of profound transformation. It’s a path marked by daily communion with God, unwavering trust in His provision, humble submission to His will, active seeking of His guidance, readiness to suffer for His sake, and even preparedness to die for His truth. Yet, in losing our lives for His sake, we find true life in abundance. This radical call to discipleship isn’t a burden, but a gateway to experiencing the fullness of God’s love, power, and purpose in our lives. As we respond to this call with willing hearts, may we find, like countless disciples before us, that the joy of knowing and serving Christ far outweighs any sacrifice we might make. In the end, true discipleship is not just about what we give up, but about the immeasurable treasure we gain in Christ Himself.

Related FAQs

• What is the role of God’s sovereignty in discipleship? God’s sovereignty is paramount in the process of discipleship. God initiates and sustains our discipleship through His sovereign grace. While we are called to actively follow Christ, our ability to do so is ultimately a gift from God, emphasizing the doctrine of irresistible grace.
• How does the concept of “election” relate to discipleship in Reformed thought? The doctrine of election teaches that God has chosen believers for salvation before the foundation of the world. This election extends to discipleship which is a natural outworking of God’s sovereign choice. Our call to follow Christ is rooted in God’s eternal purpose, not our own initiative.
• What is the relationship between faith and works in discipleship? Reformed theology emphasizes that while we are saved by faith alone (sola fide), genuine faith inevitably produces good works. In discipleship, works are seen not as a means of earning salvation, but as evidence of God’s sanctifying work in the believer’s life. This reflects the Reformed emphasis on the perseverance of the saints.
• What is the role of the Holy Spirit in discipleship? Scripture places great emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit in discipleship. The Spirit is seen as the primary agent of sanctification, empowering believers to follow Christ, illuminating Scripture, and transforming hearts. This aligns with the Reformed concept of “total depravity,” acknowledging our complete dependence on God’s Spirit for spiritual growth.
• What is Scripture’s perspective on suffering in the context of discipleship? The Bible sees suffering as a normal part of the Christian life, often used by God for the believer’s sanctification and God’s glory. God sovereignly ordains or allows suffering to conform us to the image of Christ, deepen our faith, and demonstrate His sustaining grace.
• How are we to understand the concept of “dying to self” in discipleship? Dying to self is a crucial aspect of sanctification. It’s to be understood as the continual mortification of sin and submission to God’s will, enabled by the Holy Spirit. This process is seen as lifelong, rooted in our union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
• What is the role of the local church in discipleship? Scripture places high importance on the local church in discipleship. It sees the church as the primary context for spiritual growth, emphasizing the means of grace (Word, sacraments, prayer) administered within the church. The church is viewed as essential for accountability, mutual edification, and the exercise of spiritual gifts.
• How must we approach the tension between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility in discipleship? Reformed thought maintains both God’s absolute sovereignty and human responsibility in discipleship. It teaches that while God sovereignly works in us, we are still called to actively pursue holiness. This paradox is embraced, emphasizing that God’s sovereignty doesn’t negate human responsibility but rather enables it. READ OUR POST: Can God Be Truly Sovereign and Man Be Free? The Biblical Perspective
• What is the goal of discipleship? The ultimate goal of discipleship is the glory of God. As we grow in Christlikeness, we more fully reflect God’s image and bring Him glory. This aligns with the Reformed emphasis on “Soli Deo Gloria” (Glory to God Alone), seeing all of life, including discipleship, as oriented towards God’s glory.
• What is the role of Scripture in discipleship? Reformed thought places supreme importance on Scripture in discipleship, adhering to the principle of “Sola Scriptura” (Scripture Alone). It sees the Bible as the infallible and sufficient guide for faith and practice, emphasizing the need for regular study, meditation, and application of God’s Word in the disciple’s life.

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