What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple of Jesus?

There’s a big difference between being a Christian and being a disciple. Many people believe that Jesus is God — even demons do. But believing in Jesus is one thing; following Him is something entirely different.

Spectators observe what Jesus does. Disciples participate in what Jesus is doing.

What Jesus Showed His Disciples Before Sending Them Out

In Luke chapters 4–10, we see a clear pattern in how Jesus prepared His disciples before sending them into ministry. None of it was random. Every moment was intentional discipleship — showing them what to expect, how to trust, and how to live with purpose.

1. Jesus Faced Temptation First

Before Jesus began ministering to others, He faced temptation in the wilderness. He showed His followers that even those walking in obedience will face trials. The comfort? Jesus has already been there. He understands the struggle and shows us how to overcome.

2. Jesus Experienced Rejection

When Jesus returned to His hometown, Nazareth, He was rejected — not by strangers, but by the people who knew Him best. They couldn’t see past His humanity to recognize His divinity. When you face rejection for your faith, remember: your Savior has already felt that sting.

The Miracles the Disciples Witnessed

As they followed Jesus, the disciples saw firsthand what happens when heaven touches earth:

• Authority Over Demons: Jesus cast out evil spirits, showing that darkness has no power over the light.

• Healing Power: Peter’s mother-in-law was healed instantly — reminding us that Jesus cares deeply about our families.

• Power Over Nature: When the fishermen caught nothing, Jesus filled their nets to overflowing. Later, He calmed a storm with a word. Even creation obeyed Him.

• Victory Over Death: Jesus raised the widow’s son — proving that even death bows before Him.

Over time, the disciples’ awe turned into confidence. They no longer wondered if Jesus could do miracles — they knew He could.

“Now You Go Do It”

Then came a turning point. In Luke 9, after months of watching Jesus heal and teach, He sent them out.

“Now you go do it,” He said.“I’m giving you My authority.”

Imagine their shock. “We’re not God!” they must have thought. Yet Jesus entrusted them with His power and His mission. This is the heart of discipleship: What God has done in you, He wants to do through you.

The Joy of Doing God’s Work

When the seventy-two returned from their mission, they were overflowing with excitement.

“Lord, even the demons obey us in Your name!”

They had moved from watching God work to experiencing God’s power for themselves. And Jesus rejoiced with them. He said,

“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.”

Why Serving Strengthens Faith

Something amazing happens when we move from observing to obeying. It’s one thing to watch Jesus walk on water. It’s another thing to step out of the boat yourself.

Faith becomes real when you serve others and see God show up through your hands, your prayers, your obedience. That’s when you stop just believing Jesus is God — and start knowing it.

Redefining Success in Ministry

We often think of success as someone getting saved immediately. But in God’s eyes, success happens every time someone takes a step closer to Him — no matter how small.

Some plant seeds.Some water.Some harvest. All of it matters.

A Story of Patient Faithfulness

Kotaro was a student in a campus ministry who wanted to learn about Jesus. For months, leaders poured into him, but he wasn’t ready to surrender his life to Christ.

A year later, one of those leaders received a photo of Kotaro being baptized back home in Japan. The seeds planted had taken root.

That’s discipleship — trusting that God is working, even when you can’t yet see the results.

Life Application

This week, ask God to show you who He wants you to serve. It could be:

• A neighbor who needs encouragement,

• A family member who’s been distant,

• A coworker is walking through a hard season.

You don’t have to be “ready.” The disciples weren’t either — but Jesus sent them anyway. Because the power isn’t in our perfection; it’s in His presence.

Remember: What God has done in you, He wants to do through you. Your story — your testimony — may be precisely what someone else needs to hear.

Questions for Reflection

• Am I content being a spectator, or am I ready to participate in God’s work?

• What has God done in my life that He might want to do through me for someone else?

• Who in my circle needs to experience God’s love through my actions and words?

• How can I move from just believing in Jesus to actively following Him this week?