1: The Starting Line of Discipleship

Key Passage

You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.

John 15:14-17

Devotional

What does the word “disciple” evoke in you?

Some may think of barefoot mystics wandering through the desert on a spiritual quest. You may have heard of a rising leader being referred to as a “disciple” of their mentor, coach, or school of thought in sports, politics, or business. If you are more action-oriented, you may pivot to the idea of discipling - imparting and influencing the next generation.

With all of the lofty images that discipleship evokes, it can become easy to disqualify ourselves from Jesus' invitation. As we begin our devotional journey, We Can All Be Disciples, we will begin with this simple truth - discipleship is an invitation to which we can all respond because we can all be friends with God.

Simply put, the starting line of discipleship is friendship.

Discipleship is a lifelong race. It’s a race that will involve many of the other keywords in today’s passage.

• Learning: Disciples learn. The word disciple literally means “learner.” This is not a word created by theologians or academics. It’s the exact word that Jesus used to describe His followers. But becoming a disciple is more than just learning precepts and doctrine.

• Commands: Disciples obey. The Greek word mathētēs, found in John 15, denotes learning in thought and action. This truth is displayed in John 15. Disciples are those that obey God’s “commands.” To be a disciple is to have an action-oriented faith and a desire to obey God’s commands.

• Love: The word “love” is found eleven times in John 15. This self-sacrificial love is the same love that God extends to us. The life of a disciple is not just a life of deeds but a quality life, filled with quality connections, relationships, and a commitment to lay down one’s life for others.

But ultimately, this race begins at the starting line. And the starting line is friendship. Jesus says, “I have called you friends.” Before He calls us business leaders, parents, evangelists, teachers, or reformers, He calls us friends. Everyone can be a disciple because everyone can be God’s friend!

Discipleship is a lifelong journey, but it begins with a single step. As we begin our devotional journey, let’s start with a prayer. This prayer is simply a response to Jesus' invitation to friendship.

Daily Prayer

“Jesus, as I renew my journey of discipleship today I want to begin by reconnecting with You. I want to respond to your invitation of friendship and say, ‘Yes. I want to be your friend.’ Will you lead me into greater friendship with you? Amen.”

As we continue our journey of discipleship, here is a truth you will see - all kinds of people can be disciples because all kinds of people can be God’s friends. During the next nine days of our devotional journey we’ll meet different kinds of people who became disciples and friends of God. 

A question you can ask yourself is, “where do I see myself in these early disciples?”