Do you have someone you go to for advice? What about someone who seeks your advice? The idea of having someone pour into you and someone you pour into is biblical. The word ‘disciple’ comes from the Greek word mathētēs, meaning student, pupil, or apprentice. In Jewish culture, a disciple would follow his rabbi closely. Ann Spangler writes:
“The mission of a rabbi was to become a living example of what it means to apply God’s Word to one’s life. A disciple apprenticed himself to a rabbi because the rabbi had saturated his life with Scripture and had become a true follower of God. The disciple sought to study the text, not only of Scripture but of the rabbi’s life, for it was there that he would learn how to live out the Torah. Even more than acquiring his master’s knowledge, he wanted to acquire his master’s character, his internal grasp of God’s law.”
Another example of a discipleship relationship is found between the apostle Paul and Timothy. Paul met Timothy on his second missionary journey through the Mediterranean and became his spiritual mentor. Timothy joined Paul on his journeys, and their relationship grew to the point that Paul called Timothy “my true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2).
We might not sit at the feet of a rabbi or travel around the world with an apostle, but it doesn’t mean discipleship isn’t for today. In fact, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us make disciples. Let’s take a look at a few ways discipleship fits into our lives today:
1. Discipleship Is Intentional
In Acts 16, Paul intentionally chose Timothy to travel with him to help Timothy grow in his faith. Paul simply included Timothy in what he was already doing. Discipleship doesn’t need to be a formal contract or a big announcement. It can simply be inviting someone along in your journey with God—such as inviting them to church or your small group.
2. Discipleship Is Focused
Paul encouraged Timothy to continue learning from God’s Word to stay equipped for good works (2 Timothy 3:14-17). You can find a fashion muse on Pinterest or hire a career coach online—but discipleship is different. As followers of Jesus, we equip one another by studying His Word and learning how to become more like Him. Discipleship is relational but focused.
3. Discipleship Is Reproducible
Paul challenged Timothy to teach others what he learned from Paul. That way, discipleship could continue (2 Timothy 2:1-2). When we build our relationships with intentionality and focus, we ensure that the investment of our time is fruitful and lasting.
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