Multiplying Disciples

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves searching for direction, purpose, and meaning. The truth is, we all have a framework for life. The critical question is: Whose framework are we following? When we step back and examine our lives - our affections, pursuits, and visions for the future - whose face has the spotlight? On whose head lies the crown? Our own, or Jesus Christ's?

Scripture provides us with a powerful framework for following Christ, one that can be summarized in three dimensions: upward, inward, and outward. This framework invites us to fix our gaze upward on Jesus, allow His transformative work inwardly, and then express our faith outwardly through visible, obedient action.

Let's begin with the upward call. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus issues a simple yet profound invitation: "Follow me." This call to follow is the foremost action of every disciple of Christ. Anything that doesn't proceed from a life lived in submission to Christ can never be called true biblical discipleship, no matter how good it may seem in our eyes or the eyes of those around us.

God the Father Himself points us to Jesus, declaring from heaven, "This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him" (Luke 9:35). The Holy Spirit, too, guides us to Christ, convicting us of sin and leading us into all truth. Jesus extends His own invitation: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

This upward call is an invitation to eat of the bread of life, to drink of the living water, and to find our souls truly satisfied in Christ alone. It's a call to lay aside the voices of the world and the sin that so easily entangles us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).

But the framework doesn't stop there. As we follow Christ upwardly, we find ourselves being inwardly transformed. Jesus promises, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). This isn't just a change of occupation; it's a complete transformation of identity and purpose.

The upward call of God is forever attached to and never absent of life transformation. We experience this immediately in salvation, progressively in sanctification, and ultimately in glorification. It involves stepping away from the old and putting on the new, as Paul describes in Ephesians 4. We're called to consider ourselves "dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:11).

This inward transformation is God's providential will for our lives. Even in the midst of difficulties and trials, God is working all things together for our good, conforming us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:28-29). Our struggles, our growth, our entire journey of faith is aimed at this singular purpose: that Christ would be formed in us (Galatians 4:19).

Finally, the framework culminates in outward, obedient action. When the disciples heard Jesus' call, their response was immediate: "Immediately they left their nets and followed him" (Matthew 4:20). The question for us is not if we should respond, but when and to what extent.

The answer is clear: today, and in every aspect of our lives. We're called to live with a growing love for Jesus Christ and an increasing burden for those who are far from Him. The Apostle Paul exemplifies this, expressing both a desire to depart and be with Christ and a willingness to be cut off from Christ for the sake of his unbelieving kinsmen (Philippians 1:23; Romans 9:1-3).

This paradoxical desire - to be with Christ and to reach the lost - doesn't come from following our own framework. It comes from following Jesus and taking on His heart for those who are far from Him.

As we embrace this framework for following Christ, we must continually examine our lives. What is causing us to take our eyes off this upward call? What desires or distractions are slowly pulling our attention away? We must be willing to bring our sins and struggles to our sufficient Savior, who even now intercedes for us.

At the same time, we must consider what burden for the lost we need to pick up. If we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, how can we withhold this good news from those who need it most? Many of us may hesitate out of fear of evangelism, but remember: if you have been forgiven little, you may speak little. But if you have been forgiven much, do not stop speaking until all have heard how much the Lord has done for you.

In the end, this framework for following Christ is not a call to greater religion. It's an invitation to consider Christ of greater worth than all the treasures and pleasures this world can offer. It's a call to look to Jesus until sin becomes the sourest and Christ the sweetest reality in our lives.

As we close, let's reflect on the disciples' response once more: "Immediately they left their nets and followed him" (Matthew 4:20). May we respond with the same immediacy and wholehearted devotion. What nets do we need to leave behind? What sins do we need to lay down? And what new calling are we ready to take up as we follow Christ upward, allow Him to transform us inward, and express our faith outward?

The framework is clear. The invitation is extended. The question remains: Whose framework will you follow?