Read: John 14:12
Throughout the gospels, there are numerous accounts of apprenticeship in action. We often refer to this process as discipleship because the disciples were among those being trained. The problem is that what we call discipleship today is nothing like what they went through. The disciples of Jesus were being trained by living example. And they were being trained in action, not just in theory.
It’s surprising, then, that much of what we call discipleship training involves learning concepts individually with little emphasis on the practical implementation of the knowledge. Not only has discipleship become passive, but it has also been tailored to fit the consumer lifestyle. It costs very little in most contexts to become a disciple-attending a class, completing a workbook, or completing a program. What we need is a new definition of discipleship. What if discipleship became more costly in terms of time, effort, relationships, or finances? What if discipleship became a real apprenticeship in community?
In most apprenticeship environments, the apprentice gets paid very little and is required to work very hard in order to master the trade. A good example is the process of becoming a physician. Years of schooling and practice are required before one can be called a doctor. In a similar way, when Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men,” there was an understanding of the personal cost. For most, it meant leaving family, jobs, stable income, and a willingness to give up years of their lives to follow Jesus.
Prayer Starter: Jesus, help me to surrender to you.
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