And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
What is a Disciple of Christ?
Jesus gives us a very simple, yet PROFOUND definition of a disciple in his invitation found in Matthew 4:19:
“FOLLOW ME”
The first two words of Jesus are a simple invitation. This invitation indicates our acceptance of Jesus — his authority and his truth — at the head level. A disciple follows Jesus. He leads, we follow. It’s that simple. BUT, The invitation to follow Jesus comes at a cost—ME.
“AND I WILL MAKE YOU”
The next five words in this verse speak of a process of transformation. This tells us that discipleship involves Jesus molding our hearts to become more like his, because a disciple of Jesus is changed by Jesus. Far too many of us assume that discipleship is merely the transfer of information leading to behavior modification. But discipleship, at heart, involves transformation at the deepest levels of our understanding, affection, and will by the Holy Spirit, through the Word of God and in relationship with the people of God.
“FISHERS OF MEN”
The final three words in this verse indicate a response of action, something that affects what we live for and do. If our acceptance of Jesus begins in the head and extends to the heart, it leads to a change in what we do with our hands.
“FOLLOW ME”
The first two words of Jesus are a simple invitation. This invitation indicates our acceptance of Jesus — his authority and his truth — at the head level. A disciple follows Jesus. He leads, we follow. It’s that simple. BUT, The invitation to follow Jesus comes at a cost—ME.
“AND I WILL MAKE YOU”
The next five words in this verse speak of a process of transformation. This tells us that discipleship involves Jesus molding our hearts to become more like his, because a disciple of Jesus is changed by Jesus. Far too many of us assume that discipleship is merely the transfer of information leading to behavior modification. But discipleship, at heart, involves transformation at the deepest levels of our understanding, affection, and will by the Holy Spirit, through the Word of God and in relationship with the people of God.
“FISHERS OF MEN”
The final three words in this verse indicate a response of action, something that affects what we live for and do. If our acceptance of Jesus begins in the head and extends to the heart, it leads to a change in what we do with our hands.
A Disciple of Christ is a person who follows Jesus, is transformed by Jesus and joins in the mission of Jesus.
Springs of Life is committed to align every program and ministry of our church in harmony with the overall goal of making disciples. We are intentional about being, and empowering others to be Disciple Makers. We also recognize that the greatest opportunities for growth in discipleship takes place in one on one, couples or group pairings. If you are interested in getting support in your journey following Jesus from one of our disciple makers simply fill out the form below to get started!