Discipleship Through the Love of Yeshua
For most of us who are passionate about our faith, our goal is to share our beliefs with those around us, in hopes that they will be encouraged and follow our lead. If we love Yeshua, we desire for others to love Him, knowing there is no greater love. If we obey the commandments in scripture, we want others to obey them, because we see the beautiful path of righteousness the Father has set before us. We are commanded in Matthew 28:19 to “go forth and make disciples of all nations.” So, what does that actually look like?
The word "disciple" originates from the Latin word "discipulus," meaning learner or follower. We are disciples when we are students of the Word who desire to share the teachings and lifestyle of the only Teacher who had it all figured out. Being a disciple is a continual journey of spiritual growth. This growth happens when a person comes alongside another to witness to them, pray with them, study with them, and fellowship with them. We grow WITH them.
Let’s look at some key scriptures to help us understand what Yeshua said on the subject:
John 8:31 To the Jews who had believed him, Yeshua said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples: if you have love for one another.
Matthew 16:24 Then Yeshua told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
Peter also gives some very sound advice on the subject:
2 Peter 1:5-8 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of Yeshua Messiah.
What can we learn from these verses and how do we practically apply them in our lives? Here is a short checklist to consider:
1. Be a student of the Word. We are lifelong learners of YHVH’s word. We are told in Joshua 1:8 to meditate on the Word day and night so that we have success in our life. Psalm 1 says that our delight should be in the law of YHVH. That is part of the beauty in this journey. We can always learn when our nose is in the Book! And it is a great reminder to remain humble in all circumstances. The Father is infinite, and His wisdom is so deep, we will never have it all figured out. Pride is the antithesis of humility. Do not let your knowledge allow you to be prideful or arrogant towards others.
2. Live like Yeshua. This is common sense, really. But the reflection of your life should look like the reflection of Yeshua. I always say, if He did it, I want to do it. Are you actively doing the things He did? Or do you do what the world does? As we think about our speech, our tone, our attitude, and the activities we engage in, be reminded we are made in His image, and we represent His character. Our light (living His commands) is the best testimony and gift we can give to those around us.
3. Be willing to die to the flesh. Yeshua said we had to deny ourselves and follow Him. Important reminder… we are attempting to bring people to Yeshua, not build followers for ourselves. Ask yourself what is the ultimate goal of your testimony? Is it to be recognized by others? Bring glory to your name? Or is it to glorify the Father and the work of the Son on the ancient Tav (cross)? There is humility in discipleship. We are not to put ourselves above others, thinking we are better in some way (Phil 2:3-4).
4. Let the fruit speak for itself. I recently had a very wise friend tell me we don’t have to chase people with the truth. We also shouldn’t seek to beat them over the head with it. If they are truly seeking and being drawn by the Father, the fruit of our lives will speak for itself, and He will use us to draw them to Truth for HIS glory!
As I write this, I am thinking so much of my own journey and how I want to do better this year by just loving on people, as my obedience to the Most High. My love for Him continues to grow and my greatest desire is to let the fruit speak for itself. We live in a harsh world, but our commission is love. Do not misunderstand, this is not acceptance of sin or being complacent about sin but learning how to love people BETTER! Let’s be praying for those who persecute us. Let’s walk along side the broken, reminding ourselves, we were there once, too!
By understanding the lifelong process of discipleship, embracing the qualities of Yeshua, persevering through trial, and being willing to share truth, we can not only grow our own faith but help grow the faith and knowledge of those in our communities. Let’s take some time to reflect and be willing to ask ourselves some hard questions. What is the fruit of my labor? Am I being a light to the nations? As we commit to discipleship through love, we can become effective emissaries for Yeshua, and the words of the Torah, making a lasting impact on the nations, and the generations.
Shalom!
