BE A DISCIPLE, NOT A FOLLOWER (1)

INTRODUCTION

This is God's plan/vision for each of us (Matthew 28:19).

"I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus; No turning back; no turning back. “

The lyrics of the song above are quite well-known. Many Christians sing it because the lyrics are simple and the music is easy to sing along.

There's an interesting story behind this song. It took place in Assam, India, in the 19th century. A group of British missionaries visited an area where an isolated tribe lived, one that practiced cannibalism. 

Although many rejected the Gospel, one family courageously accepted Jesus Christ, and their decision influenced other families in their area.  The tribal chief, however, was furious about their conversion. He decided to put the family on trial as an example to others. But despite the death penalty, the family remained steadfast in their faith. This steadfastness inspired the song.

 

CONTENT

1.     The difference between Christ's disciples and the 'followers' in the story shows that being a disciple of Jesus is not as easy as we think.

  • This is different from being a 'follower.' In the age of social media, the word 'follower' is certainly not an unknown term.

  • The number of 'followers' someone has determines their level of social media recognition. The more 'followers' someone has, the more popular they are.

  • However, it's not certain that these 'followers' understand the people they follow. They can only get to know the people they follow through existing social media platforms.

  • It's different when someone becomes a disciple. A disciple (in Greek: Mathetes) 'Mathetes', not only seeks knowledge but also learns about the teacher's lifestyle and adapts his or her own to emulate that of the teacher.

2.     Below is a brief overview of the differences between following Jesus (in the sense of 'followers') and being a disciple (in the sense of 'mathetes'):

FollowersDisicple (Mathetes)
1. Follow the teacher1. Become part of the teacher's life
2. Make friends2. Become an imitation of the teacher
3. Uncommitted3. Dedicate yourself to the teacher
4. Depending on the heart's attitude4. Dedicate yourself to disciplining yourself in following the teacher
5. No obligations5. Be committed in following the teacher for life

CONCLUSION

We are called to be disciples of Christ, so that the world may see Christ in our lives (1 Peter 2:9-10).

 
GOAL (EN)
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Fullgospel Mission Church