What does it mean that discipleship matters?

from the old testament

• Discipleship matters because God’s people are called to pass on their faith. Deuteronomy 6:4–9 shows that knowing God and His Word should be intentionally taught to the next generation.
• Discipleship matters because spiritual growth requires instruction and correction. Proverbs repeatedly calls people to listen to wisdom, receive instruction, and accept correction (Proverbs 1:5; 4:1–7; 9:9). This is part of discipleship.
• Discipleship matters because what we follow, we will become. Faithful examples can influence others just as much as ungodly ones can. The relationship between Elijah and Elisha shows how faithfulness, ministry, and a commitment to God can be modeled and passed on (1 Kings 19:19–21; 2 Kings 2:1–15).
• Discipleship matters because knowing God should change how we live. Joshua called Israel to choose whom they would serve and remain faithful to the Lord (Joshua 24:14–15). Following God is not merely about knowing what is true but living in light of it.
  
• Discipleship matters because God’s faithfulness must be remembered and retold. Psalm 78:4–7 calls one generation to tell the next about God’s works so they would place their hope in Him.

from the new testament

• Discipleship matters because Jesus calls us to follow Him, not simply believe in Him. Jesus called His followers to leave their old lives and learn to live as His disciples (Matthew 4:19; Luke 9:23).
• Discipleship matters because Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples. The Great Commission calls believers to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey everything Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:19–20).
• Discipleship matters because the goal is to become like Jesus. Jesus taught that a fully trained disciple will be like his teacher (Luke 6:40). Discipleship is about transformation, not merely about gaining knowledge, and it helps us grow in Christlikeness.
• Discipleship matters because we need one another to grow. Christians are called to teach, encourage, correct, and build one another up (Colossians 3:16; Titus 2:1–8).
• Discipleship matters because following Jesus produces obedience. Jesus connected love for Him with keeping His commands (John 14:15), while James warned against merely hearing God's Word without doing it (James 1:22–25).

implications for today

Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey. We need people who will challenge us, encourage us, correct us, and help us become more like Christ—and we are called to do the same for others.



Discipleship can look as simple as

inviting someone into your everyday life: studying Scripture together, praying for each other, asking honest questions, sharing struggles, and pointing each other back to Jesus when life gets messy. It means being willing to say, “Help me follow Jesus,” and also being willing to say, “Let me help you follow Jesus.” This can be done in everyday settings: going for walks, enjoying a cup of coffee together, intentionally doing things to maintain relationships, and asking hard questions. Discipleship is walking alongside someone in the midst of regular life and helping them (and you) become more like Jesus and grow in your faith.

You don't have to be a Bible expert to disciple someone; you simply need to be a step ahead in an area where you can faithfully point someone else to Christ. And you have to be willing to do so. Look for someone you can learn from, someone you can walk alongside, and someone you can intentionally encourage in their faith. Discipleship matters because the goal isn't just to know more about Jesus—it’s to become more like Him and help others do the same.