When Jesus began his ministry, one of the first things he did was call a group of disciples to follow him. These men would become his closest companions and would play a crucial role in spreading his message to the world.
But why did Jesus call these disciples? What was the purpose of their relationship with him?
The Purpose of Discipleship
At its core, the purpose of discipleship was to train and equip individuals to carry on Jesus’ work after he was gone. This involved both teaching them about his message and demonstrating how to put that message into action. By spending time with his disciples, Jesus was able to impart wisdom and knowledge that they could then share with others.
But beyond simply training them in the ways of his ministry, there was also another purpose for calling these men. In doing so, Jesus demonstrated a fundamental truth about the nature of God’s work in the world: it is not meant to be carried out by one person alone.
Jesus’ Relationship with His Disciples
Throughout the Gospels, we see that Jesus had a very close relationship with his disciples. He ate meals with them, traveled with them, and even performed miracles alongside them. This intimate connection served several purposes.
Firstly, it allowed Jesus to model the kind of love and compassion that he wanted his followers to embody. By demonstrating how to treat others with kindness and respect, he showed his disciples what it truly meant to live out God’s will in their daily lives.
Secondly, this relationship helped foster a sense of community among those who followed Jesus. By working together towards a common goal, they were able to support one another through difficult times and celebrate together when they experienced success.
- Examples from Scripture
There are many examples throughout the New Testament that illustrate the importance of discipleship. One such example can be found in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus calls his first disciples:
“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’
At once they left their nets and followed him.” (Mark 1:16-18)
This passage highlights several key aspects of discipleship. Firstly, we see that Jesus actively sought out these men to follow him. He recognized something in them that made them ideal candidates for his ministry.
Secondly, we see that these men were willing to drop everything and follow Jesus without hesitation. This demonstrates the level of trust and faith that they had in him.
The Importance of Discipleship Today
While we may not have the opportunity to physically follow Jesus as his disciples did, the importance of discipleship remains just as relevant today. In fact, it is arguably more important than ever before.
As Christians, we are called to spread God’s message of love and hope to those around us. But in order to do so effectively, we must first be trained and equipped ourselves. This is where discipleship comes in.
Through studying scripture, participating in small groups or Bible studies, and building relationships with other believers, we can deepen our understanding of what it means to live out God’s will in our lives. By doing so, we become better equipped to share that message with others.
Conclusion
In calling a group of disciples to follow him, Jesus demonstrated an important truth about God’s work in the world: it is meant to be carried out by a community of believers working together towards a common goal. By modeling this kind of relationship with his followers, he showed us what it truly means to live out God’s will in our daily lives. As we seek to do the same today, may we be inspired by Jesus’ example and strive to build deep, meaningful relationships with those around us.