Jesus’ invitation, “Come and see,” captures the heart of discipleship—not as passive belief but as an embodied journey of learning, loving, and following Him in transformative obedience. In a world of fleeting commitments, true discipleship calls us to radical faithfulness, bearing fruit through sacrifice, community, and love.
Sermon Title: Make Disciples
Date: June 29, 2025, Sunday.
Textual Foundations: 1 Kings 19:11-21; Psalm 34:11-22; Romans 16:3-16 and John 1:35-42.
Website: www.reverendbvr.com
Verse for Meditation: “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent the day with him. It was about the tenth hour. – John 1:39 (NIV)
Introduction
In the call to “make disciples,” Jesus speaks words that resonate deeply within the Christian faith and shape the very core of Christian identity and mission. The act of discipleship is not merely about following a teacher or adhering to a set of teachings. It is about transformation, obedience, and a deep commitment to live in alignment with God’s will. As we reflect on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, we must ask: who are disciples, what do they do, and how can we live out this calling in our own lives?
1. Who Are Disciples?
The term “disciple” in the Bible comes from the Greek word μαθητής (mathetes), derived from the root μανθάνω (manthano), meaning “to learn.” This concept is not unique to Christianity but was common in the rabbinical traditions of ancient Israel, where a disciple was one who followed a teacher to learn and embody their teachings. For example, the disciples of John the Baptist (Matthew 9:14; John 1:35), the Pharisees (Matthew 22:16), and Moses (John 9:28) were all learners, seekers, and practitioners of a particular way of life.
The disciple’s relationship with the teacher is central to the concept of discipleship. In the Gospels, disciples are those who not only hear but obey the words of the teacher. This is exemplified in the call of Andrew and Simon Peter in John 1:35-42, where Jesus invites them with the words, “Come and see” (Ἐλθέτε καὶ ἴδετε – Elthete kai idete). These words are not merely an invitation to observe but to experience and to follow, as they spent the day with Jesus, learning from him.
2. The Role of Disciples
The role of a disciple is to live according to the teachings of Jesus and to embody the way of life he set forth. In John 8:31-32, Jesus clearly states, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” This passage highlights that being a disciple is not just about intellectual assent to Jesus’ teachings but about living them out in the world.
A disciple is one who adheres to the words of Jesus, who walks in his steps, and who makes his life a reflection of Christ’s love and truth. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5), Jesus frequently distinguishes his teachings from those of the Old Testament, saying, “You have heard it said… but I tell you…” (Ἀκούσατε ὅτι ἐρρέθη… ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω ὑμῖν – Akousate hoti errethē… egō de legō hymin). This radical shift reveals the fullness of Jesus’ message, which goes beyond external observance to a transformation of the heart.
Disciples of Jesus are not merely students in the traditional sense; they are followers who live out the principles of the Kingdom of God, demonstrating love, humility, and obedience. As Jesus teaches in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (Ἐντολὴν καινὴν δίδωμι ὑμῖν ἵνα ἀγαπᾶτε ἀλλήλους – Entolēn kainēn didōmi hymin hina agapate allēlous). This love is the defining mark of a true disciple, as it reflects the character of Christ in the world.
3. The Call to Make Disciples
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 is the defining mandate given to all Christians: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Πορευθέντες μαθητεύσατε πάντα τὰ ἔθνη – Poreuthentes matheteisate panta ta ethnē). This is not merely a call to evangelize, but to make disciples—to invite others into the same transformative relationship with Jesus that we ourselves have experienced. The call to disciple others is one of intentional relationship-building, teaching, and nurturing.
The Apostle Paul exemplifies this process in his relationship with the early Christian communities, as seen in Romans 16:3-16. He acknowledges the labor and sacrifice of many individuals who worked alongside him in the mission of spreading the gospel, showing that discipleship is a communal and mutual journey of growth and service.
4. The Preparation to Become Disciples
Discipleship requires preparation—both from the teacher and from the student. In 1 Kings 19:11-21, we see the story of Elisha’s call to follow Elijah. Elisha’s response is one of immediate action; he leaves behind his past life and embraces the call to discipleship, following Elijah wherever he goes. Similarly, Jesus calls his disciples to a radical commitment, saying, “Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Ὁ ἀκολουθῶν ἐμοὶ καὶ ἄρξας τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ – Ho akolouthōn emoi kai arxas ton stauron autou). Discipleship is a journey that requires sacrifice, surrender, and a willingness to leave behind the familiar to follow Christ.
The Apostle John also emphasizes that true discipleship is marked by obedience to the teachings of Jesus. In John 15:8, Jesus says, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (ἐν τούτῳ ἐδοξάσθη ὁ Πατὴρ μου, ἐὰν καρποφορήσητε – En toutō edoxasthē ho Patēr mou, ean karpophorēsēte). The fruit of a disciple’s life is the manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s work within them, as described in Galatians 5:22-23. Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are all evidences of a life lived in obedience to Christ.
5. The Practical Application of Discipleship in Our Lives
The practical aspect of discipleship involves integrating the teachings of Jesus into our daily lives. This can be seen in the way we treat others, how we handle challenges, and how we make decisions. Discipleship is not confined to a few hours on Sunday; it is a way of life. As Sadhu Sunder Singh said, “Discipleship is like climbing a ladder—one step at a time.” Discipleship requires patience, perseverance, and the daily decision to follow Christ.
It is important to remember that being a disciple is not a solitary journey. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we are also called to disciple others, nurturing them in their faith and encouraging them to take up the cross. This process is reciprocal: as we disciple others, we are also discipled, growing together in Christ.
Table: Key Aspects of Discipleship
| S.No | Aspect of Discipleship | Biblical Reference | Explanation |
| 1 | Obedience | John 8:31-32 | True disciples obey the teachings of Jesus. |
| 2 | Love | John 13:34-35 | Love for one another is the primary mark of a disciple. |
| 3 | Sacrifice | Matthew 10:37-39 | Disciples must be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of following Christ. |
| 4 | Fruitfulness | John 15:8 | Disciples bear fruit that reflects the character of Christ. |
| 5 | Community | Romans 16:3-16 | Discipleship is not a solo journey but involves mutual support and encouragement. |
Table: Key Aspects of Disciples in Christian Theology
| S.No | Aspect | Greek Term | Biblical Reference | Explanation | Theological Significance | Application |
| 1 | Disciples as Learners | μαθητής (mathetes) | Matthew 28:19-20; John 1:35-42 | A disciple (mathetes) is one who learns from a teacher. This term reflects the idea of a learner who adheres to the teachings of a master or teacher. | Disciples are called to be lifelong learners in the school of Christ. Learning in this context is active, requiring disciples to not only understand but also embody the teachings of Jesus. | Disciples must engage in continuous learning, seeking to apply Christ’s teachings in all aspects of their lives. |
| 2 | Disciples as Followers | ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheo) | Matthew 4:19; Luke 9:23 | The act of following Jesus is central to being a disciple. It signifies commitment, loyalty, and a deep relational transformation. | Being a disciple means actively following Jesus, modeling one’s life after His example. The calling of disciples is existential—it’s not about mere belief but about emulating Christ’s path in all things. | Disciples must make a conscious, intentional decision to follow Christ, prioritizing His will over their own. |
| 3 | Disciples’ Obedience | ὑπακοή (hupakoe) | John 8:31-32; Luke 6:46 | Disciples are called to obey the teachings of Jesus. Obedience (hupakoe) is a crucial aspect of true discipleship, demonstrating alignment with God’s will. | Obedience is a fundamental characteristic of a disciple’s life. It is not passive; it is an active submission to God’s will, reflecting loyalty and trust in His guidance. | Disciples must strive to align their lives with Jesus’ commands, exhibiting consistent obedience in all situations. |
| 4 | Disciples’ Love for One Another | ἀγάπη (agape) | John 13:34-35; Matthew 22:37-40 | A distinguishing feature of disciples is their love (agape) for one another, which mirrors Christ’s self-sacrificial love for humanity. | Agape love is the defining mark of a disciple. It reflects God’s nature and distinguishes true disciples from others, emphasizing the transformative power of unconditional love. | Disciples must love others as Christ loves, actively seeking to build a community characterized by selfless care. |
| 5 | Disciples’ Fruitfulness | καρπός (karpos) | John 15:8; Galatians 5:22-23 | Disciples bear fruit (karpos)—manifesting virtues such as love, joy, peace, and kindness—as evidence of their transformed lives. | Fruitfulness reveals the spiritual maturity and obedience of the disciple. Disciples are called to demonstrate the work of the Holy Spirit in practical, visible ways. | Disciples should strive to cultivate lives marked by the fruit of the Spirit, contributing to the mission of God in the world. |
| 6 | Disciples’ Sacrifice | σταυρός (stauros) | Matthew 16:24-25; Luke 14:27 | Disciples are called to take up the cross (stauros), meaning they must be willing to sacrifice their own lives, desires, and ambitions for Christ. | The cross symbolizes the cost of discipleship. It emphasizes that true discipleship requires self-denial, following the suffering path of Jesus as a model of radical obedience. | Disciples must be willing to endure personal sacrifice, letting go of personal comforts in order to follow Christ. |
| 7 | Disciples in Community | κοινωνία (koinonia) | Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 | Disciples are never solitary figures but live in community (koinonia), where mutual support, teaching, and accountability are key aspects. | Discipleship involves living as part of a faith community, where believers mutually encourage one another. Theological reflection on this community-oriented aspect challenges any individualistic view of faith. | Disciples must engage actively in the Christian community, fostering mutual care, spiritual growth, and shared mission. |
Bibliography
- Boring, M. Eugene. The Gospel of John. Abingdon Press, 2015.
- Dunn, James D.G. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Eerdmans, 1998.
- Keener, Craig S. The Gospel of John: A Commentary. Hendrickson Publishers, 2003.
- Wright, N.T. Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters. HarperOne, 2011.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of discipleship and for calling us to follow Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to live lives that reflect His teachings, to love as He loved, and to bear fruit for Your Kingdom. May we be faithful in making disciples, teaching others to walk in Your ways, and sharing the good news of salvation with all. Give us the courage to embrace the sacrifices that come with discipleship and the grace to grow in obedience to Your Word. May Your Holy Spirit guide us each day as we strive to become more like Christ, our Teacher and Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let this be a reminder to each of us: we are all called to make disciples, not merely by words but through our lives, our actions, and our commitment to following Christ. Let us go and make disciples, for in doing so, we fulfill the Great Commission and bring glory to God.
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