ATTRIBUTES OF A DISCIPLE

Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “when Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” As Jesus picked up His cross, we too as His disciples must embrace the cross of Calvary and forsake our very lives for the One who alone can give life.

If God could speak to us today, what would He say? There’s no better place to begin searching than in the holy scriptures themselves. Even more than simply moral principles, engaging stories, and perilous conflicts, the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation present a window to the heart of God. As we catch a vision for the heart of God, He Himself will elevate our thoughts, actions, and being to that of His own.

Prayer is conversation and intimacy with God. There are times of listening, times of speaking, times of excitement, times of sorrow, and everything in between. In Jesus, we have the model for what it means to live in ceaseless prayerful intimacy with God.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God Himself. An oft-repeated joke regards the trinity as the Father God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Bible. While spoken in jest, the words speak to a common pattern in parts of the body of Christ to neglect the person and work of the Holy Spirit. The truth is, the Holy Spirit is God Himself. If Jesus said it would be better for Him to leave so that we would receive the Spirit, then clearly we must take notice.

If someone were to truly become a disciple of Jesus, what would that person be known for? To Jesus, the answer is simple: love.

Jesus’s great invitation to us can be summed up in one word: with. To be with Him, rest in Him, and enjoy Him is our inheritance and delight. Only in the fellowship of true communion will we find our identity, purpose, and destiny in the arms of His embrace, and only in this place of abiding are we released to bear fruit in others (i.e. making disciples).

If Jesus could pray for us today, what would He pray for? Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is the powerful answer to that question. In a word, Jesus’ prayer is summed up in the singular word one. To be one with Him, rest in Him, and enjoy Him is our inheritance and delight. Only in the intimacy of true communion will we find our identity, purpose, and destiny in the arms of His embrace. There is no greater call than to be with and become one. When His oneness is revealed to the world, the world cannot help but take notice.

In the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus proclaims that He has glorified the Father on earth by accomplishing the work given for Him (John 17:4). This “work” came before His crucifixion and resurrection. What was this work? Imparting His life over three years to eleven men who would go on to change the course of history. In a word: discipleship.