The Call to Discipleship
- Immediate Response: Matthew highlights the immediacy of the response to Jesus’ call by His first disciples (Matthew 4:18-22). The fishermen, Peter, Andrew, James, and John, leave their nets and follow Jesus without hesitation, symbolizing the total commitment required of discipleship.
- Radical Commitment: The call to discipleship is marked by a radical commitment to Jesus, prioritizing Him above all else. Jesus' call to follow Him demands a reorientation of one's life and priorities (Matthew 8:18-22), illustrating that discipleship may require leaving behind security, family, and comfort.
The Cost of Discipleship
- Persecution and Suffering: Jesus warns His disciples of the persecution and suffering they will face for His sake (Matthew 10:16-25). Following Jesus means embracing the cross—symbolic of suffering and self-denial (Matthew 16:24-25). This reflects the cost of discipleship as enduring hardship and opposition from the world.
- Priority of Loyalty: Jesus teaches that loyalty to Him must surpass all other loyalties, including familial ties (Matthew 10:37-39). The cost of discipleship involves making Jesus the supreme priority, which can lead to division and requires a willingness to bear personal loss for the sake of the Gospel.
The Character of a Disciple
- Living the Beatitudes: The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) outline the character qualities of disciples, such as meekness, righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, and peacemaking. These attributes contrast with worldly values and reflect the inner transformation expected of Jesus’ followers.
- Obedience and Righteousness: Disciples are called to a righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law (Matthew 5:20), characterized by obedience to Jesus' teachings and a heart aligned with God's will (Matthew 7:21-27).
The Mission of Discipleship
- Proclaiming the Kingdom: Disciples are commissioned to continue Jesus' mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 10:7-8). This involves preaching, teaching, healing, and casting out demons, demonstrating the Kingdom's power and presence.
- Making Disciples of All Nations: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) expands the scope of discipleship to a global mission, instructing disciples to make disciples of all nations. This involves baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything Jesus has commanded, ensuring the transmission of Jesus' teachings and the expansion of the Kingdom.
The Community of Disciples
- A New Family: The community of disciples forms a new family, bonded not by blood but by a shared commitment to follow Jesus (Matthew 12:48-50). This community is characterized by mutual love, support, and accountability.
- Practices of Discipleship: Matthew highlights practices such as prayer, fasting, and communal decision-making (Matthew 18:18-20), which sustain the disciples’ communal life and mission. The Church is to embody the values of the Kingdom, serving as a light to the world.
Conclusion
Discipleship in the Gospel of Matthew is portrayed as a comprehensive way of life that encompasses following Jesus, embracing the cost of discipleship, embodying the character of the Kingdom, participating in the mission of the Kingdom, and living in community with fellow disciples. This theme underscores the transformative impact of Jesus' call, inviting individuals to enter into a dynamic relationship with Him that redefines their identity, purpose, and priorities. Through discipleship, Matthew presents a vision of a community that not only follows Jesus in word but also emulates His life and mission, extending His transformative work to all nations.