Biblical Discipleship Process and Methods Explained
Biblical discipleship involves a comprehensive process of following Jesus, characterized by belief, obedience, and imitation, with the ultimate goal of transforming individuals into Christ-like followers [2, 3]. The term "disciple" (Greek: mathetes) generally refers to a scholar or learner, and in the New Testament, it is primarily applied to the followers of Christ, though it was also used for followers of John the Baptist or the Pharisees [1, 2].
The foundation of discipleship is laid out in Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where he commands his followers to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" [6, 7, 10]. This commission highlights several key aspects of the discipleship process:
Initiation and Conversion: The command to "make disciples" implies an initial call to repentance and faith in Jesus for salvation [10]. This is followed by baptism, which signifies a public declaration of faith and entry into the Christian community [8, 10]. The act of "going" is presented as a separate command, emphasizing the active, outward-reaching nature of this mission [10].
Instruction and Obedience: Discipleship is not merely about initial belief but also about continuous learning and obedience to Jesus' teachings [3]. The Great Commission explicitly states the need for "teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" [6]. This curriculum includes all of Jesus' commands, such as those found in the Sermon on the Mount [7]. The church is expected to be characterized by its obedience to these commands [7]. John's Gospel further emphasizes that discipleship involves obeying Jesus' teachings, noting that because Jesus is the truth, knowing him leads to discernment and freedom from falsehood and sin [3].
Imitation and Transformation: A disciple of Christ is one who not only believes his doctrine and rests on his sacrifice but also "imbibes his spirit" and "imitates his example" [2]. This aspect of discipleship involves a deep personal transformation, aligning one's life with Christ's character and actions.
Cost and Commitment: Jesus made it clear that discipleship involves significant commitment and potential suffering. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus tells his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" [4]. This "law of discipleship" requires a willingness to suffer and sacrifice, mirroring Christ's own path [4].
Community and Fellowship: The template for discipleship in John's Gospel shows that disciples desired to "come and see Jesus" and, upon encountering him, "remained with him" [5]. This suggests an ongoing relationship and community aspect. Furthermore, the concept of "fellowship in the Gospel" highlights the shared spiritual participation among believers, extending to acts of communion and mutual support [9].
The process of discipleship is ongoing, with Jesus promising his presence "alway... even unto the end of the world" as his followers engage in making converts, baptizing, and building them up through Christian instruction [6]. This continuous presence of Jesus, along with his authority, forms the basis for the disciples' mission [7].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Disciple — [APOSTLES]”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Disciple — A scholar, sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Matt. 9:14), and of the Pharisees (22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ. A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice, (3) imbibes his spirit, and (4) imitates his example (Matt. 10:24; Luke 14:26, 27, 33; John 6:69).”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 8:31: 8:31-32 Discipleship is more than knowing who Jesus is. It is also about obeying his teachings (3:36; 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10). • Because Jesus is the truth (14:6), knowing him brings discernment of what is true and what is false. • set you free: The truth brings freedom from darkness, falsehood, and sin.”
- Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 16:24: Christ, having shown his disciples that he must suffer, and that he was ready and willing to suffer, here shows them that they must suffer too, and must be ready and willing. It is a weighty discourse that we have in these verses. I. Here is the law of discipleship laid down, and the terms fixed, upon which we may have the honour and benefit of it, Mat 16:24. He said this to his disciples, not only that they might instruct others concerning it, but that by this rule they might examine their own security. Observe, 1. What it is to be a disciple of Christ; it is t”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 1:35: 1:35-51 This section introduces the template for discipleship in John’s Gospel. Disciples desired to come and see Jesus (1:39), and when they encountered him, they remained with him.”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 28:20: Teaching them--This is teaching in the more usual sense of the term; or instructing the converted and baptized disciples. to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I--The "I" here is emphatic. It is enough that I am with you alway--"all the days"; that is, till making converts, baptizing, and building them up by Christian instruction, shall be no more. even unto the end of the world. Amen--This glorious Commission embraces two primary departments, the Missionary and the Pastoral, with two sublime and comprehensive Encourag”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 28:20: 28:20 Teach: The disciples’ curriculum is comprised of all the commands of Jesus (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount, chs 5–7). The church is to be marked by its obedience to Jesus’ commands (5:17-20; 7:13-27). Jesus’ authority and presence are the basis for the disciples’ mission (see also 1:23; 18:20).”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 6:2: the doctrine of baptisms--paired with "laying on of hands," as the latter followed on Christian baptism, and answers to the rite of confirmation in Episcopal churches. Jewish believers passed, by an easy transition, from Jewish baptismal purifications (Heb 9:10, "washings"), baptism of proselytes, and John's baptism, and legal imposition of hands, to their Christian analogues, baptism, and the subsequent laying on of hands, accompanied by the gift of the Holy Ghost (compare Heb 6:4). Greek, "baptismoi," plural, including Jewish and Christian baptisms, ”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 1:5: Ground of his "thanking God" (Phi 1:3): "For your (continued) fellowship (that is, real spiritual participation) in (literally, 'in regard to') the Gospel from the first day (of your becoming partakers in it) until now." Believers have the fellowship of the Son of God (Co1 1:9) and of the Father (Jo1 1:3) in the Gospel, by becoming partakers of "the fellowship of the Holy Ghost" (Co2 13:14), and exercise that fellowship by acts of communion, not only the communion of the Lord's Supper, but holy liberality to brethren and ministers (Phi 4:10, Phi 4:”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 28:19: 28:19 go and: Literally going, a participle that supports the main imperative, make disciples. Matthew probably intended go to be understood as a separate command (as it is translated) and not as a circumstantial modifier (i.e., while you go; cp. the same construction in 9:6; Acts 10:20). • make disciples: A disciple is one who repents of sin, trusts in Jesus for salvation, and obeys his teachings. • all the nations: The mission to the Gentile nations formally began here (see Matt 10:5-6; 15:24; see also 1:1; 2:1-12; 8:5-13; 21:43; 24:14; 26:13). • Two aspects o”