Responding to Jesus’ Call to Discipleship: A Journey of Transformation

The journey of answering Jesus’ call to discipleship begins with a confession of faith. Specifically, Romans 10:9 states, ‘If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’ This confession marks a pivotal shift from living as a servant of sin to embracing the Lordship of Jesus. It is a transformative moment that requires a willingness to be born again, a term that signifies a new beginning and a fresh start towards a life of faith.

Why Should I Care?

It is natural to question the motive behind such calls to discipleship. Many religious leaders often encourage their followers to embrace this path, driven by the desire for their faith to grow and expand. However, it is crucial to evaluate whether this is a genuine call or merely an attempt to gain more members. Asking this question is vital for clarity and personal discernment.

A disciple's response to Jesus’ call is not about simply following a set of rules or participating in rituals. It is a journey of learning, growing, and ultimately, serving. The original disciples spent years learning from Jesus, and their development was marked by growth, correction, and deepening faith. It is a process that requires time and effort, with each follower experiencing a unique journey.

Following Jesus: A Pinnacle of Life

Engaging in discipleship means fully embracing Jesus and striving to live a life that reflects his teachings and spirit. This involves several core values:

Compassion: Showing kindness and empathy towards others, especially the vulnerable and marginalized. Generosity: Sharing resources and wealth with those in need, reflecting Jesus' parables and teachings. Humility: Putting others before oneself and recognizing one's limitations and reliance on God. Love: Unconditional love that seeks to heal, forgive, and uplift. Simple and Changed Life: Living with simplicity and reflecting on the impact of one’s actions on others.

Choosing Between Two Banquets

Mark 6 presents two contrasting banquets: one of power and control, and one of compassion and inclusion. The first banquet, held by Herod, exemplifies worldly power and influence, with extravagance and exclusivity. In stark contrast, the second banquet, where the feeding of 5000 takes place, represents a life of care and openness, with efforts that prioritize generosity and simplicity.

These two stories offer a profound lesson: which banquet would you choose? While the power banquet is a symbol of worldly success, the banquet of compassion and inclusion is an embodiment of Jesus' teachings. The earlier stories tell us about the call to discipleship and the challenges involved. These tales prompt us to ask ourselves which values we truly believe in—those that prioritize personal gain or those that seek to serve God and others.

Jesus’ response to these contrasting situations offers even deeper insights. In the first story, death and pride are the fruits of worldly power. In the second, compassion and prayer are the fruits of a fulfilling life. These outcomes highlight the transformative power of choosing to follow Jesus. A life centered on compassion, care, humility, and service not only brings joy but also aligns one with God's will.

Conclusion: Embracing the call to discipleship means a life transformation marked by genuine discipleship, submission to Jesus, and a journey of learning and growth. It is a life where compassion and humility guide our actions, and prayer is a constant companion. To truly be a follower of Jesus, one must be willing to give up the values found in the worldly banquet and embrace the path of discipleship with all its challenges and rewards.

Ultimately, this journey is not easy. It requires a resolve to face envy and selfish ambition, embracing instead a life of peace, gentleness, and mercy. As James 3:16-18 declares, true wisdom comes from a pure heart, a peaceable spirit, and a willingness to serve.

Key Takeaways:

Discipleship: The journey of following Jesus. Submission: Willingness to submit to Jesus' authority. Spiritual Growth: Continuous learning and transformation.