A disciple is a learner, a follower, someone who is committed to being just like their teacher. This is the first century context into which Jesus begins to call his disciples in Luke 5. And one of Luke's themes on discipleship is the need to count the cost - if you are committed to following Jesus, to starting a lifelong journey in which you will become more like Jesus along the way, then there will be a cost.
In Luke 5:1-11 we see Jesus call Simon Peter to be a disciple. What are some of the marks of a disciple of Jesus?
1) Obedience
In verse 5 Simon Peter basically says to Jesus, this is a totally mad idea, it's going to be a waste of time...but because you say so I will do it. Often when Jesus asks us to do something our response is 'that's never going to work', 'how can I possibly do that', 'isn't there someone else you could send'... But for the disciple however we may start that sentence, the ending always has to be, 'but because you say so, I will do it'.
2) Repentance
In the first century only the best students got to be called as disciples of the Rabbis. But not so for Jesus. The only requirement to start this journey is a humble heart that recognises our rebellion against God, that we are not worthy; and an acknowledgement that Jesus is Lord - from now on he calls the shots.
3) Leave everything and follow
There is a cost to following Jesus. For Simon Peter it was to leave his job, his boat, his family, and a huge pile of fish. Being a disciple will cost. Sometimes it will be our reputation that takes a hit as we deliberately associate with those who everyone else at work shuns; there will be a time commitment as we seek to spend time in prayer, Bible study and fellowship with other Christians; there will be a financial cost as we give to the work of God in the local church, and throughout the wider world; there will be a cost as we get involved in service, using the gifts and the abilities that God has given to us.
Luke wants us to count the cost before committing to this journey, but we can be assured that for those who seek to follow Jesus, the benefits will far outweigh the sacrifices we make along the way.
