Discipleship: Following Jesus and Helping Others Follow Him

jordanmuck
Sep 9
3 min read

Discipleship is one of the central themes of Scripture. It is more than a church program, a Bible study, or a mentoring relationship - it is the call of Christ on every believer’s life. To understand discipleship biblically, we need to look at its roots in both the Old and New Testaments, see how it was practiced by God’s people, and consider how we can faithfully live it out today.

What Is Discipleship?

The Hebrew word often connected with discipleship is תַּלְמִיד (talmid), meaning student, learner, follower. In Jewish culture, a talmid was someone who attached themselves to a rabbi, not merely to learn information but to become like the rabbi in every way.

The Greek word in the New Testament is μαθητής (mathētēs), also meaning learner or pupil. However, in the context of Jesus’ ministry, a disciple was not only someone who learned His teaching but also someone who shaped their entire life around Him. Discipleship is less about information and more about transformation.

So, biblically, a disciple is someone who:

Follows Jesus (Matthew 4:19).
Is being transformed by Jesus (Romans 12:2).
Is committed to the mission of Jesus (Matthew 28:19–20).

Biblical Examples of Discipleship

Moses and Joshua: Joshua followed Moses closely, learning faithfulness, leadership, and dependence on God (Exodus 33:11; Deuteronomy 34:9).
Elijah and Elisha: Elisha learned from Elijah by walking with him, serving with him, and eventually carrying his prophetic mantle (2 Kings 2).
Jesus and the Twelve: Jesus didn’t just lecture His disciples; He lived with them, modeled faithfulness, corrected them, and then sent them out to do the same (Mark 3:13–15; Luke 9:1–6).
Paul and Timothy: Paul invested in Timothy with Scripture, example, encouragement, and correction (2 Timothy 1:13–14; 2:2).

Discipleship Today: The Call for Every Believer

Jesus’ Great Commission is not optional:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them … teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19–20)

Discipleship today happens on two levels:

1. Individual Discipleship

Each believer is called to be discipled and to disciple others. This may look like:

A father teaching his children the Word of God (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).
A Christian meeting weekly with a newer believer to study Scripture and pray.
A woman mentoring a younger sister in Christ in how to live faithfully as a wife, mother, or single follower of Jesus (Titus 2:3–5).

2. Church Discipleship

The local church is the God-ordained context for discipleship. Churches disciple by:

Preaching and teaching the Word faithfully.
Practicing fellowship and accountability through small groups or relationships.
Equipping saints for ministry so that every member sees themselves as a disciple-maker (Ephesians 4:11–16).
Praying together and carrying one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).

Practical Steps for Starting Discipleship

Start with Prayer – Ask God to bring someone into your life to disciple, or someone to disciple you.
Use the Word as Your Foundation – Discipleship is not about sharing opinions but about grounding lives in Scripture. Start with a gospel (Mark or John), or a foundational book like Colossians.
Meet Regularly and Intentionally – Whether weekly or bi-weekly, set a rhythm. Discipleship thrives in consistency.
Model and Share Life Together – Don’t just meet for coffee and study; invite others into your life - serve together, eat together, worship together.
Ask Good Questions – “What is God teaching you?” “Where are you struggling?” “How can I pray for you?”
Multiply – Encourage those you disciple to disciple others. True discipleship always looks outward.

Practical Examples

For Individuals: A young professional meets weekly with an older believer to read Scripture and talk about living out faith at work.
For Families: Parents read a Psalm at the dinner table and pray together, showing children that following Jesus is a daily rhythm.
For Churches: A congregation develops a culture where Sunday sermons are followed up in small groups for application and accountability.

Make It Happen

Discipleship is not reserved for pastors, missionaries, or “super-Christians.” It is the everyday calling of every believer. We are disciples who make disciples.

To be a disciple means we:

Follow Jesus.
Are transformed by Him.
Join His mission.

Whether at home, in the workplace, or in the church, we are called to walk with others as they walk with Christ. Discipleship is not a program to complete but a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus and helping others do the same.