Read: Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 9:23-24
One thing that I have learned working online is that everyone has their own definition of everything. Even simple things that you would assume are not at all controversial can become controversial. Imagine trying to define what it means to be a “runner.” Some might say it’s someone who jogs casually a few times a week, while others might think of a marathoner or an Olympic sprinter. The same term can hold different meanings based on perspective and experience. This variation can lead to confusion about what being a runner truly entails.
Similarly, we might face varying definitions if we asked, “What is a Christian?” For some, it’s someone who attends church regularly, while for others, it’s someone who follows Jesus’ teachings. These differences can lead to misunderstandings about what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ.
Jesus didn’t call people to simply believe a set of truths or perform religious rituals. He called them to follow Him, which meant a complete and total reorientation of their lives around Him. When Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John, they immediately left their careers, their livelihood, and their family to follow Him. This immediate response illustrates the total commitment required in discipleship.
Luke 9:23–24 echoes this call to discipleship, emphasizing self-denial and taking up the cross daily. It’s not about a one-time decision but a continuous, daily commitment to live for Christ. This kind of discipleship means allowing Jesus to reshape every aspect of our lives, not just our beliefs.
Reflect on your own understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. Are there areas of your life that you need to reorient around Christ? Consider the radical commitment of the first disciples and how you can respond to Jesus’ call in your daily life.
Questions for Reflection:
- How do you define being a disciple of Christ?
- What areas of your life need to be reoriented around Jesus?
- How can you make a daily commitment to follow Jesus more closely?