20. What does it mean to be a Disciple - The Calling

Key Verses / Passages

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5: 10-11

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Discussion

We have previously learnt that a disciple is a student who is actively learning from someone. In the Christian faith, Jesus had a close group of 12 disciples who actively learnt his teachings and how to practice them in daily life. And as His disciples, we have the honour of doing the same. When accepting Jesus into your heart as you Lord and Saviour, your journey as a disciple begins. We regularly see throughout the Bible in the New Testament Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke and John that Jesus calls ordinary people to be His extraordinary disciples. The beginning of the discipleship journey is called ‘the calling’.

Here in Luke 5, we see this in action and learn a valuable lesson from Jesus where He calls the disciples to Himself. Jesus provided them with opportunities to encounter and experience Him. He interacted with them relationally and on their turf. Chapter 5 starts with Jesus’s teaching in a boat on Lake Gennesaret, where He instructs Simon (Peter) to “drop down his net” (V4), which leads to a miraculous number of fish caught. This miracle from Jesus leads Simon into astonishment and shock, where he enters an exchange that sees him being told by Jesus to “Follow me” (V11).  Interestingly, at least seven of the disciples of Jesus’s 12 were fishermen, as fishermen were seen to be outstanding leaders because of their innate characteristics of courage, determination, and patience, intertwining with one’s faith to work on the seas. Fishermen must work together (using nets, not hooks) and help one another. True fishermen do not quit, and as Dr J. Vernon McGee explains, “every pulpit is a fishing boat, as it is a place to give out God’s word and attempt to catch fish.”  We see from Jesus in Luke 5 that a key to calling disciples is in the place where one is called. We need to call and meet people on their turf, just as Jesus exemplified with all His recruitments. When starting the process of studentship, you need to meet the learner where they are at. So, let’s go and call disciples!

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Reflection / Questions

•       When and where were you first called to follow Jesus?

•       Who in your life has helped you grow in your faith as a disciple?

•       Who in your world could you call and help develop into a disciple?

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Prayer

Thank you, God, for calling me into a relationship with you. Help me to live out your truth and love to those around me, calling them to your mighty name.