3/24/25 Matthew 4:19 “The Process of Discipleship”
Once a person has trusted Jesus Christ as Savior, he becomes a disciple. Becoming a mature disciple takes time and effort; it is not automatic. It is also a process, a process which is never ending. Paul described the process in 2 Corinthians 3:18. “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The glory on Moses’ face when he spent time with God tended to pass away with time, but we can become more and more like Jesus as we spend time with Him day by day. We behold Him and become more like Him, reflecting His likeness from one degree of glory to another, through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
This complements what Jesus said in Matthew 4:19. “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” “Follow Jesus” has to do with relationship, spending time with Him. “I will make you” describes transformation, a change that takes place as we spend time with Jesus. “Fishers of men” has to do with impact, the difference we make in the lives of others. Jesus wants us to concentrate on relationship with Him, and as we do He will change us and use us, He will bring about transformation and impact. The more time we spend with Jesus, in prayer and through God’s word and with other Christians, the more He will change us and use us. The result is a life full of meaning and fulfillment, a life worth living. But we need to decide to follow Jesus, and focus on relationship, transformation, and impact, to the glory of God.
Leave a Reply