Meaning of Discipleship

This week, Jesus reminds us of the meaning of discipleship (Mat 10: 37- 42). Discipleship is costly. Jesus explicitly lays out the costs:

Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

C.S. Lewis explains that Christ wants you! “Christ says ‘Give me All. I don’t want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You.(Mere Christianity)

He further explains that being a Christian is not easy- it is becoming like Christ. Once you invite Jesus into your life; He is in the art of perfecting us!

I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half measures are any good…..I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: My own will shall become yours.…………Make no mistake,’ He says, ‘If you let me, I will make you perfect. The moment you put yourself in My hands, that is what you are in for. Nothing less or other than that.’ (Mere Christianity)

Henry Nouwen explains that the word discipleship and discipline are the same. “If we want to be disciple of Jesus, we have to live a disciplined life. “ He says disciplined here does not mean control but rather in a spiritual sense which means allowing God space to do His work in us. He gives three disciplines to make space for God :

1. Solitude- Solitude is being with God and God alone. Is there any space for that in your life?

2. Community- is about forgiveness and celebration

3. Ministry- Ministry means to help people become grateful for life even with pain