Pursue Discipleship
FG Lesson and Personal Reflection Guide
Based on the sermon, “What Every Christian Must Pursue: Pursue Discipleship”
By Ptra Marilyn Antonio & Eniong Hilario
READ Luke 9:23-27
The topic of pursuing discipleship invites us to reflect on what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. A disciple is more than just a believer; he is someone who actively learns from and follows Jesus.
In Luke 9:23-27, Jesus shares what being His disciple really involves: denying oneself, taking up one’s cross daily, and following Him. Discipleship requires more than words—it’s about living out Jesus' teachings and being willing to follow Him, even in the face of challenges and suffering.
Jesus made it clear that being His disciple isn't easy. In Luke 9:22, He tells His disciples about the painful road ahead—His suffering, rejection, and death, but also His resurrection. He emphasizes that disciples should be prepared to face similar hardships. There is a cost to discipleship. The path of discipleship means embracing suffering as part of following Jesus. Jesus calls everyone to follow Him, but not everyone will answer the call. Discipleship is a commitment that requires imitating Jesus' life, even when it leads to rejection or difficulty.
To follow Jesus, disciples must deny themselves and take up their cross daily. Denying oneself means relinquishing personal control over our lives and choosing God’s will over our own desires. Taking up the cross symbolizes a willingness to suffer and even die for the sake of following Jesus. This commitment can be both literal, as in facing physical danger or death, and figurative, as in putting to death selfish desires. Discipleship requires both acts to truly follow Jesus, and there is a cost to it.
There are three situations where dying to self and bearing the cross become especially necessary.
First, there is the risk of persecution, where disciples may be called to suffer for their faith, even to the point of martyrdom. Second, the risk of losing worldly gains is a reality for many followers of Christ. We may be tempted to pursue worldly things at the cost of our soul. Disciples must be willing to give up worldly pursuits, as Paul wrote in Philippians 3:7-10, choosing to count everything as loss for the sake of Christ.
Third, there is the risk of being shamed for following Jesus. Many disciples, especially new believers, may fear rejection or ridicule. But Jesus warns that if we are ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of us when He returns.
In conclusion, pursuing discipleship is about embracing the cost of following Jesus. Not everyone will take this step, but those who truly want to follow Him must be willing to deny themselves, bear their cross, and face whatever challenges come their way. Following Jesus involves sacrifice and hardship, but the reward is eternal. The question remains: Who among you wants to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
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