Exploring Different Words or expressions for Following Jesus
In the Bible, the word "discipleship" is used numerous times. But did you know there are other words in the Bible that mean the same thing? Let's take a 30,000 foot level view of Bible to discover these special words that help us understand what it means to follow Jesus.
In this post, we'll focus not on dictionary definitions, but Bible phrases that mean the same thing as "discipleship."
1. Walking with Jesus:
In the Bible, being a disciple means walking with Jesus. It's like taking steps every day to be more like Him. Just like when you walk with a friend, being a disciple is about staying close to Jesus and learning from Him.
"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." - Matthew 4:19 (ESV)
2. Learning from Jesus:
Being a disciple is a bit like being an apprentice. It means learning from Jesus, our Master Teacher. We watch Him, listen to Him, and try to be like Him. It's like learning how to do something new from someone really good at it.
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:29 (ESV)
3. Following the Way of Jesus:
In the Bible, some people were called followers of "The Way." This means they were living their lives in a way that Jesus showed them. It's like having a map, and Jesus is the guide, showing us the best way to live.
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6 (ESV)
4. Journeying with Jesus:
Being a disciple is also like going on a journey with Jesus. We follow Him and trust that He knows the best way to go. It's not just about where we end up, but how we travel with Jesus every day.
"And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'" - Mark 8:34 (ESV)
5. Pursuing Holiness:
Another word for living like Jesus is "holiness." Being holy means trying to be more like God every day. Basically, you can't be any more holy than being like Jesus! It's like choosing to be kind, loving, and good because that's what God is like. So, when we talk about holiness, we mean following Jesus and becoming more like Him in everything we do.
"But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" - 1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV)
6. Growing Spiritually:
Another way to talk about discipleship is to say "spiritual growth." This means getting stronger and wiser in our relationship with God. It's like planting a seed in our hearts, and as we learn and follow Jesus, that seed grows into a big, strong tree. So, when we talk about spiritual growth, we mean becoming more like Jesus every day.
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)
7. Imitating Jesus:
A special way to describe following Jesus is by saying "imitating Him." To imitate means to copy or be like someone we look up to. Being a disciple is like trying to be just like Jesus – kind, loving, and always doing what's right. It's like having Jesus as our role model and doing our best to act the way He would.
"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV)
Conclusion:
Being a disciple means different things, like walking with Jesus, learning from Him, following His way, journeying with Him, pursuing holiness, and growing spiritually.
These words help us see that following Jesus is imitating him... that's the same idea as "discipleship." Let's remember to follow Jesus with our whole hearts, every day!
For Further study:
For more info on what discipleship means, try this post on what an AI would say about discipleship?