In the heart of Christian teachings lies the concept of discipleship, a journey that transforms individuals into followers of Christ. The essence of being a true disciple is not merely about belief but about living in accordance with the principles of the Kingdom of God. This exploration delves into what it means to follow the patterns of the Kingdom, drawing insights from Scripture to illuminate this profound calling.
Understanding Discipleship:
Discipleship begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus calls His first disciples with the words, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This invitation is both a command and a promise. To follow Jesus means to engage actively in His mission, which is to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Discipleship is more than an intellectual agreement; it is a transformative process that shapes our values, actions, and ultimately, our identity.
The Call to Follow:
A true disciple acknowledges the call of Christ. This call requires a response that goes beyond initial acceptance. Matthew 16:24 records Jesus stating, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” This denial of self signifies a radical reorientation of priorities. Disciples are invited to surrender their desires and ambitions in favor of God’s will. This is the first step in understanding the pattern of the Kingdom—submitting to the Lordship of Christ.
The Pattern of the Kingdom:
The Kingdom of God is characterized by values that often contradict worldly norms. The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 provide a glimpse into the kingdom’s values: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Here, Jesus challenges the conventional notions of success and happiness. A true disciple embraces humility, recognizing their need for God.
The Kingdom is also marked by love and service. Jesus exemplified this through His life, demonstrating that leadership in the Kingdom is rooted in servanthood. In Mark 10:43-45, He teaches, “But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” Disciples are called to emulate this servant-heartedness, prioritizing the needs of others over their own.
Living Out the Kingdom Values:
To follow the pattern of the Kingdom means to embody its values in everyday life. This involves living out principles such as love, forgiveness, humility, and justice. Jesus summarizes the law and the prophets in Matthew 22:37-40, stating that the greatest commandments are to love God and love one’s neighbor. A true disciple embodies this love, striving to reflect God’s character in their interactions.
Love:
In John 13:34-35, Jesus gives a new commandment: “Love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Love becomes the defining mark of a disciple. This love is not merely emotional but is demonstrated through actions that seek the good of others.
Forgiveness:
Forgiveness is another hallmark of the Kingdom. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” A true disciple understands the weight of grace and extends that grace to others, reflecting the mercy they have received.
Humility:
Humility is crucial in the Kingdom of God. Philippians 2:3-4 advises, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” A disciple’s posture is one of humility, recognizing that their worth is found in Christ, not in their achievements.
Justice:
Justice is woven into the fabric of the Kingdom. Micah 6:8 calls believers to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Disciples are challenged to stand against injustice, advocating for the marginalized and oppressed. This pursuit of justice reflects the heart of God and is integral to living out the Kingdom’s values.
The Cost of Discipleship:
Following the pattern of the Kingdom comes at a cost. Jesus does not shy away from this truth. In Luke 14:27, He states, “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” This call to take up one’s cross signifies a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom. Disciples must be prepared to face opposition, sacrifice personal comforts, and even endure persecution.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian and martyr, famously articulated the notion of “costly grace.” He wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” True discipleship involves dying to self and living for Christ. It means embracing the challenges that come with embodying the Kingdom’s values in a world that often opposes them.
The Community of Disciples:
Discipleship is not a solitary journey; it is a communal experience. The early church exemplified this in Acts 2:42-47, where believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. A true disciple engages with a community of believers, seeking mutual encouragement and accountability.
This community serves as a support system, helping disciples navigate the complexities of life while adhering to Kingdom principles. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together.” Together, disciples can embody the love and mission of Christ, collectively advancing the Kingdom.
The Fruit of Discipleship:
As disciples follow the pattern of the Kingdom, they begin to bear fruit. John 15:5 records Jesus stating, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” This fruit manifests in various ways: transformed lives, acts of service, and the spreading of the Gospel.
The Apostle Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, highlighting love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, decency, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. A true disciple exhibits these traits as a reflection of their relationship with Christ and their commitment to the Kingdom.
A true disciple follows the pattern of the Kingdom, embodying its values in every aspect of life. This journey involves a deep commitment to Christ, a willingness to bear one’s cross, and an active participation in a community of believers. Through love, forgiveness, humility, and a pursuit of justice, disciples reflect the character of God in a world that desperately needs His light.
As we strive to be true disciples, let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission: “Go therefore 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 that I have commanded you.” This call to discipleship is both a privilege and a responsibility—an invitation to follow the pattern of the Kingdom and to bring His message of hope to the world.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
