Faithful on Fridays Blog

Part One

When I hear the word ‘disciple’ I imagine twelve obscure men following Jesus around the dusty, northeastern countryside of Israel, consequently, that’s our focus in this series. On the other hand, as believers in Jesus Christ we’re also ‘disciples’ even though the times and places are different. The Greek word for disciple simply means being a learner or student of a teacher. You share the same worldview, way of life, and over time develop a relationship with your teacher. Let’s use the callings, short leadership training, and the motivation of The Twelve to continue following Christ even after He was gone.

Instead of beginning at the front of the list with Simon Peter, who’s always first, let’s start where Jesus started: John the Baptizer (John 1). He knew he wasn’t the promised Messiah, the Christ, but he was chosen to prepare the way for the Anointed One: Messiah, Son of David. Why’s that important? Because Scripture (the Old Testament) prophesied His Coming.

… I will raise up your Offspring after you (David), who shall come from your body, and I will establish His kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever .… and Your house and Your kingdom shall be made sure forever before Me. Your throne shall be established forever.  2 Samuel 7:12b-13, 16 

John the Baptizer had disciples who were hearing many prophecies from their teacher who prepared the way, “He’s the Lamb of God, the Son of God, and the Messiah: Anointed One.” Therefore, when Andrew and another guy heard these prophecies they left John to follow Jesus (John 1:35-40). Those truths ignited sparks that spread throughout the Galilee region: Could this be the One? The Law and the Prophets, their Bible, foretold of an Offspring of David, the Anointed One or Messiah, and King who was coming and He found them! Jesus zoomed in on Philip who declared (John 1:43-46) that Jesus is from Nazareth; is that important?

If you know your Bible it is; the name Nazareth comes from a Hebrew word meaning ‘branch’. These guys knew their Bibles and that the prophets (Is. 11:1; Jer. 23:5; Zech. 6:12) spoke of a Branch from David’s bloodline who will be their King. These first callings of Jesus were willing to believe and trust that this was the Offspring the prophets foretold would deliver Israel and be their King forever. 

Now I can see several aspects of the ‘heart of a disciple’: 

• Be familiar with both the Old and New Testaments since the first confirms and validates the second building your faith. Do you know the ancient prophecies that Jesus fulfilled?

• When you answer the calling of Christ be willing to leave your worldview, your old perspectives and opinions, your former way of life, and adhere to your Teacher’s as you grow in relationship with Him.

Next week we’ll begin the search for each disciple’s heart.