When Jesus called people to follow Him, He called them to be His disciple.  A disciple is a learner who followed a teacher. When we think of a teacher, most of the time we think of one who passes on knowledge or information. But in Jesus’ day it referred to being an imitator of the teacher’s life so that his values became their values, his priorities, their priorities, his  focus, their focus. Discipleship involves a relationship where the student followed the teacher so that they could adhere to his way of life and the teacher’s worldview became their own.  Paul defined discipleship by saying, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

God has called us to do the same thing today. Jesus told us to go and make disciples of all nations. We are to help others follow the example of Christ by following our example. The only way we can do this is to be in a relationship with other people and follow Jesus’ method for making his disciples. Jesus called his disciples and taught them first by simply asking them to watch Him as He lived and ministered. Then Jesus taught His disciples by doing the ministry and letting them help. When Jesus fed the 5000, he had his disciples help. Thirdly, Jesus had his disciples minister and he helped them.  He sent them out by twos to preach, teach, and minister. When they needed help, he came along side them. He did this after the Mount of Transfiguration when the disciples who had cast out demons before, could not cast out the demon of a man’s son.  Jesus stepped in, helped them, and taught them why they were unable to do it.  Finally, Jesus let his disciples minister, while he cheered.  This is the disciples in the book of Acts.