Follow Me: The Lifelong Journey of Being, Becoming, and Doing with Jesus
Discipleship is a lifelong relationship with Jesus.
Discipleship is one of the most powerful tools for gathering and sending people into the everyday work of God.
But it’s easy to get caught up in assumptions about discipleship that strip it of its God-intended purpose and power.
When Jesus called His first disciples with the simple words, “Follow me,” it wasn’t just a one-time decision. It was an invitation into a relationship — a journey that would transform every aspect of their lives. That same invitation echoes today, shaping how we approach discipleship in our own lives and churches.
Let’s explore three foundational aspects of discipleship: being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what Jesus tells us to do.
1. Being With Jesus
Discipleship starts with relationship.
When Jesus invited His first disciples to follow Him, it wasn’t a task-oriented command. It was an invitation to spend time with Him — to walk with Him, learn from Him, and simply be with Him. Discipleship isn’t a “starter kit” for Christianity; it’s a lifelong relationship with Jesus, involving every stage and season of life.
For our churches, this means fostering a culture where:
- Discipleship thrives as people grow in their awareness of Jesus, His love, and His way of life.
- Spiritual practices flourish, helping people listen to and respond to Jesus.
- Relationships deepen, as disciples are invited to see Jesus as an integral part of their inner circle.
A helpful question to ask ourselves regularly is this:
“How are things between me and Jesus?”
When discipling others, I often encourage them to think of Jesus in the same way they think about their closest relationships. This perspective meets people where they are relationally, inviting them to see Jesus as a constant and loving presence in their lives. Of course, the dynamic is different, as Jesus is also the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, but it should not be lost on us that he’s also the Friend that sticks closer than a brother.
2. Becoming Like Jesus
Discipleship is a lifelong relationship with Jesus that makes us like Jesus.
Following Jesus doesn’t just mean spending time with Him — it also means allowing His character to shape us. Discipleship is about healing, growing, and becoming whole in every part of life.
For our churches, this involves helping people:
- Emotionally: Cultivate joy and learn to return to joy from moments of upset.
- Mentally: Embrace lifelong learning and develop a deeper mental complexity.
- Physically: Live in rhythms of work, rest, and renewal.
- Relationally: Love themselves and the people around them in healthy, God-honoring ways.
- Spiritually: Respond to and embrace the deep love of God.
- Vocationally: Find their unique role in God’s work and embrace it with purpose.
A reflective question I often ask is:
“How have I become more like Jesus over the past month, quarter, or year?”
Sometimes, transformation comes from intentionally partnering with Jesus in specific areas. Other times, we notice unexpected growth — evidence of His Spirit working in us even when we weren’t fully aware.
3. Doing What Jesus Tells Us to Do
Discipleship is a lifelong relationship with Jesus that makes us like Jesus as we do the work He gives us to do.
When Jesus said, “Follow me,” He also called His disciples to action. Discipleship isn’t passive; it’s an active response to Jesus’ commands and invitations.
For our churches, this means encouraging discipleship that leads to a public life rooted in love. Here’s a quick overview of what Jesus taught about obedience:
- Matthew 28:20: “Do all I have commanded.”
- Matthew 5:17-20: Jesus’ life and the lives of His disciples should fully express the heart of God’s commands.
- Matthew 22:36-40: All 613 commands of the Hebrew Scriptures are rooted in loving God and loving others as much as we love ourselves.
- Matthew 5:43-45: Our love isn’t limited to our neighbors. As followers of Jesus, we even love our enemies.
A question to challenge ourselves is this:
“How well am I loving my enemies?”
When discipling others, I invite them to live an uncommon life of love. This love transcends differences, forgives offenses, and even extends grace to those who oppose or harm us. It’s a love that mirrors Jesus — a love that draws others into His Kingdom.
Final Thoughts
Discipleship isn’t just about knowing Jesus or following rules. It’s about transformation. It’s about being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing the work He calls us to do.
Whether someone is just beginning their journey of faith or have been following Jesus for decades, the question remains the same:
“How are things between me and Jesus?”
Let’s make it our mission to grow deeper in relationship with Him, reflect His character more fully, and live out His commands in our daily lives.
If this blog resonated with you, I encourage you to share it with others or leave a comment on how God is working in your discipleship journey. Let’s walk this path together.