The first definition of the word “disciple” in the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary is as follows: “one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.” But is this definition complete? According to Jesus, one must give up everything to be Jesus’ disciple (Luke 14:33). In other words, in addition to accepting and assisting in the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, one must abide by the words of Jesus Christ and abandon everything he or she owns, in order to be a disciple of Jesus. This means, that to give up (abandon) is an expression of discipleship.
Points to ponder:
Can you/I count ourselves as a disciple of Jesus Christ? In other words, have you/I given up everything we own? Giving up our life so that his life is lived in and through us is what discipleship is about.
Luke 14:33 (NLT)
33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.
