Following the Master: A Biblical Theology of Discipleship
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
In the aftermath of the waves of discipleship programs that have swept over the church in the last 30 years, clergy, and laypersons alike are more confused than ever about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. What should a disciple of Jesus look and act like today? What is the relationship between discipleship and salvation, between discipleship and sanctification, between discipleship and ministry? How were disciples of Jesus different from other disciples in the ancient world? How did the early church carry out Jesus' agenda in "making disciples of all the nations"? In Following the Master, Michael J. Wilkins addresses these and many other questions that perplex the church today- not by offering another discipleship program or manual but by presenting a comprehensive biblical theology of discipleship. Following the Master compares other forms of master-disciple relationships in existence in the ancient Judaism and Greco-Roman world, traces Jesus' steps as he called and developed disciples, and Mediterranean world as it followed Jesus' command to make disciples. Following the Master lays the groundwork necessary for developing biblical discipleship ministries in the church, on the mission field, and in parachurch ministries. It is essential reading for all pastors, students, and Christian workers.
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- Presents a comprehensive biblical theology of discipleship
- Compares other forms of master-disciple relationships in existence in the ancient Judaism and Greco-Roman world
- Lays the groundwork necessary for developing biblical discipleship ministries in the church, on the mission field, and in parachurch ministries
Part I: First Steps of the Journey
- A Preview of the Journey
- Jesus and Disciples Today
Part II: Jesus' Discipleship Environment
- The People Called to Follow God: Discipleship in the Old Testament
- Disciples in the Greco-Roman World
- Disciples in the World of Judaism
Part III: Jesus' Form of Discipleship
- The Jesus Movement
- Becoming Like Jesus
- The Twelve
Part IV: Gospel Portraits of Discipleship
- Matthew: Examples with a Commission
- Mark: Servants of the Redemptive Servant
- Luke: Followers on the Costly Way
- John: Believers Marked by Jesus
Part V: Discipleship in the Early Church
- Acts: The Community of Faith
- Disappearing Disciples?
- The Epistles: Disciples in Other Words
- Apostolic Fathers: Martyrs for the Name
Part VI: Toward the Third Millennium
- Jesus' Discipleship Expectations
- Walking with the Master in Your World
Top Highlights
“In the general sense, we may define a disciple as a committed follower of a great master.” (source)
“Thus, when we speak of Christian discipleship and discipling we are speaking of what it means to grow as a Christian in every area of life. Since disciple is a common referent for Christian, discipleship and discipling imply the process of becoming like Jesus Christ. Discipleship and discipling mean living a fully human life in this world in union with Jesus Christ and growing in conformity to his image.” (source)
“Hence, all who are called to be Jesus’ disciples are in the process of becoming more like the Master, Jesus Christ—that is, the process of discipleship. Each disciple also has the responsibility to be involved in helping other disciples grow—that is, discipling.” (source)
“Following God is the concrete expression of what it means to love the Lord God with all of one’s heart and soul.” (source)
“The beginning point of discipleship, therefore, was commitment. This model suggests that there are two levels within the church today—disciples and ordinary believers. A disciple is a more committed Christian than the average Christian. This model of discipleship is quite widespread, being found in several different forms.” (source)