When it comes to “being the church,” Jesus wants us to make disciples. Great! But what is a disciple? The answer comes in two parts. There is a profound difference between Jesus’ disciple-making process and what you and I may have experienced in our lifetimes. So the first characteristic of being Jesus’ disciple is…just watch!
A Disciple = a Friend of Jesus
In this blog, we equip and train together to be the church instead of just going to church. Before we look at being a friend of Jesus, let's review what God is asking us to do as the church.
As people who claim to be Christians, or believers in Jesus, we are commanded by God to love him with our whole person and to love others like Jesus loves them. Within those orders, we are to make disciples: we are to help them to go public with baptism, and we are to train them to obey Jesus. That is our mission from God, to be a disciple and to multiply disciples.
So, what is a disciple?
In John 15:14, Jesus tells his disciples, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
This means that your thoughts, feelings, and actions are being guided by God’s definition of love. Your choices in life are governed by a central question: How is this decision helping to multiply disciples? When that is the direction of your life, you are a friend of Jesus.
What If I Struggle to obey?
Someone might say, “What if I don't do what he commands me to do?” The implication here is that if we don't obey, we are not his friends. A true disciple will respond when Jesus gives orders. Because of that, a disciple is a friend of Jesus.
This relationship goes much deeper. In John 15, Jesus likens himself to a grapevine as he teaches his disciples. He says they, his disciples, are the branches attached to that vine, himself. The disciples receive all the nutrients they need to be healthy and produce fruit (other disciples). But only if they stay connected to the vine that is Jesus.
Jesus’ Love Can Flow To and Through You!
In verses 9-11, there’s a powerful sequence of God’s logic. It begins with, “As the Father has loved me...”
How do we understand this analogy? The quality of love that God the Father has for God the Son is infinite, it’s unchangeable, and it is so far beyond our soul’s capacity to comprehend. Try to hold that idea of love for a moment. Let’s just say that the Father loves Jesus a whole bunch.
Then Jesus says, “...so have I loved you.”
Are you kidding me?
A simple matter-of-fact statement: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.”
Could that possibly be true? Much of the time, when I focus on circumstances in myself and the pain in the world, I get distracted, enticed, and confused. It’s difficult to believe that I’m loved by anyone, let alone that Jesus loves me like his Father loves him.
But Jesus, Are You Sure I Can Live This Way?
Jesus adds to his teaching. Imagine having a one-on-one conversation with him.
Jesus: “Abide in my love.” (Remain in my love. Live in my love all the time.)
You: But Jesus, I just explained my struggle to believe and feel that you love me, and you’re telling me to stay surrounded by your love. How in the world am I going to accomplish that?
Jesus: Well… “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love…” John 15:10a
You: Oh, that again. Isn’t there some other way?
Jesus: No, there’s not. Just follow my example: “I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.” John 15:10b
You: Is it really that simple?
Jesus: Yes.
You: OK, I’ll train to be your friend and do what you tell me to do. I’ll train to stay connected to your love. Is there anything else?
Jesus: Yes.
You: All right what, else?
Jesus: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11
You: You’ve told me this so that your joy would be in me and fill me up?
Jesus: Yes.
You: AMAZING! I’m going to love being your disciple and friend!
Jesus: Yes, you will. Just remember, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”
Would you like to share this with your friends? Here’s our slideshow so you can talk about it with them.
Up next: A Disciple is a follower of Jesus.
“Being” the church is better than just going to church! Begin now to be the church by training to love God, love people, and make disciples the way Jesus does.
To join our community and keep up to date, follow us @playstoryeat on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Please like and comment on our posts to spread the word!