The disciples in the bible are remembered because they were chosen by Jesus to spread the word of God with him. The fact is, that any person can be a modern day disciple. It does not entail going back to Jesus’ time and being chosen as one of his Disciples, you must simply live your life strictly following Christianity and God’s word.
The nature of Discipleship is in itself being a Disciple. As a Christian must do, one must help, love and care for others and not just yourself, just as Jesus did all of his life. In Matthew 5: 3-11, Jesus explains; "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. "Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” As this says, no Disciple can be selfish, and nor can they have more than then truly need. Give to the needy what you can spare, and following the teachings of Jesus and those Disciples who have gone before you. A disciple need not be rich to do this. Giving what you can spare does not involve having plenty to spare, but the act of giving is enough. Like the poor widow in Mark 12:41-44, giving what she had, even thought she had so little.
Jesus did not choose his disciples on what they had, they were not rich men, but humble fishermen, honest ordinary people. They were taught to spread the word of God. In Matthew 3 ‘Jesus calls four fishermen’, Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John. He chooses these people, “come with me, and I will teach you to catch people”. He wanted them to lead their lives, not as fishermen, but learning and teaching the word of God, that they might catch people with these words, and show them the way. They went with him at once, not doubting a word he said. They had faith, which is all that is required of a Disciple. Jesus did not choose men of wealth to be his Disciples, but fishermen. People who work hard, and are not necessarily successful or even liked among the community. There are no Criteria into which one must fit, but you must trust in God, and have faith that his word (the bible) is right.
The word of God has not changed over those hundreds of years since Jesus’ time. His disciples may have done very mundane tasks, such as preparing food and accommodation. Similarly, Discipleship today may involve simple things like playing music at church to aid prayer, anything that co-operates with the holy spirits work.
Disciples must take steps of faith, trusting God’s word. As Joshua demonstrated when he passed through the floodwaters in the river Jordan. Taking a step of faith, for the Lord. God uses his word, people and circumstances to mould us. Letting the spirit change your way of thinking, Discipleship involves changing those ungodly habits, and disciplining ones self to take on godly habits, as a Service to the lord.
“God wants us to grow up. Like Christ in everything.’ (Ephesians 4:15), and discipleship does this to a Christian. Disciples must repent just as Paul did in the bible. There must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. Trouble and temptation are Gods disciplines, and you trust in god more when in a difficult situation.
These teachings mean living in a very material and secular world. Whatever work must be done as a Disciple, it is known that whatever you give in this world, you will receive many times over in heaven. The nature of discipleship must be worth that?
