Explain The Meaning Of Discipleship
Explain the meaning of Discipleship for the First Disciples
The word disciple means learner or follower. In this case to be a disciple is to follow Jesus and learn from his way of life. The word discipline is derived from the word disciple.
Jesus went to Galilee to preach the Good News from God. As he walked down the shore of Lake Galilee he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew. They were busy catching fish with a net. Jesus said to them "Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people." Without thought Simon and Andrew left their nets and followed Jesus. As Jesus walked on a little farther he saw James and John, who were also brothers, in a boat with their father Zebedee. They were preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and as Simon and Andrew had done, they left immediately, leaving their father in the boat with the hired men and followed Jesus. (1:14-20)
These four men responded immediately to Jesus. This is very surprising as Jesus is a man whom they have never met before. But it appears that Jesus has some sort of authority, which causes them to respond immediately. The first four disciples showed complete faith in Jesus as they left everything and followed Jesus regardless of the value of the things they were leaving behind. They abandoned their families, homes and possessions for a man who they had never met before. It is quite clear that this idea of discipleship for the first disciples is very important as Jesus is planning on building his faith in them. Jesus wants them to spread the word of God to the people.
Jesus was back at the shore of Lake Galilee. A crowd came to him and he began preaching to them. As he walked on he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus sitting in his office. Levi was a tax collector who was disliked by many people because of his high taxes. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." Levi got up, left his office and followed Jesus. Later that night Jesus was eating a meal in Levi's house....
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