Discipleship Algebraic Equation

F + F = D

¹⁶ Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.¹⁷ And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” ¹⁸ And immediately they left their nets and followed him.¹⁹ And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. ²⁰And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. mark 1:16-20

Question: How would you define the word disciple?

After you read this post, individually text message 5-10 of your friends and ask them the same question. My guess is that none of the definitions will be the same. I've asked this question in dozens of churches, including pastors and church members, and there is a wide range of definitions.

Look at the simple definition that Jesus lays out for us in Mark 1:17.

Jesus gave two descriptive and action-oriented words to define a disciple.

F + F = D Follow + Fish for Men equals Disciples

F + S ≠ D Follow and Study Does Not Equal Disciple.

F + K ≠ D Follow and Knowledge Does Not Equal Disciple.

F + CA ≠ D Follow and Attending Church Does Not Equal Disciple.

F + ? ≠ D If we interchange any other descriptor for F (follow) and F (fish), you are

not a disciple.

Is this encouraging or bothersome? If it's bothersome, I am sorry but please don't shoot the messenger. Instead, go to Scripture and read the book of Acts. Look at the actions of the disciples. if it's encouraging, you are probably already following and fishing. Praise God, keep following and fishing!

As the church, we have in many ways followed the way of the world. We have made every effort to be inclusive so people are comfortable. We make it easy to identify as a disciple. For example, a pastor greets the Sunday morning crowd, saying, " Good morning, it's good for us as disciples to be together this beautiful Sunday morning." Question: Is everyone in the congregation following AND fishing? Probably not. Research tells us that 98% of the people who sit in church on Sunday morning can't share the Gospel.

So why would we water down Jesus's words? We want people to be comfortable and happy. We are more interested in numbers than we are in obedience. So, if a person is not a disciple, what would we call them? That's a good question. Check out my post next week for my answer.

In the meantime, follow and fish. He's worthy!

Jeff

www.hearandobey.com