Explore the concept of being an apprentice of Jesus as opposed to a Christian, challenge the culture of individualism, and delve into the paradox of wanting more of God but never being fully satisfied. Discover the importance of imitating Jesus, finding fulfillment through love and relationships, and learn about Practicing the Way, a crowdfunded nonprofit providing resources for spiritual formation.
Apprenticeship to Jesus involves being with him, becoming like him, and doing as he did, forming the framework for a life of devotion and transformation.
The term 'Christian' has evolved and often carries cultural or religious connotations, whereas discipleship calls for intentional commitment, radical transformation, and a transformed way of life.
Deep dives
The Three Goals of Apprenticeship to Jesus
The podcast discusses the three goals of apprenticeship to Jesus: to be with Jesus, to become like Jesus, and to do as he did. Being with Jesus means organizing one's life around deep union with him, experiencing love and intimacy that transcends human relationships. Becoming like Jesus involves the deep longing to be filled with love and goodness, to be transformed into his image and character. Doing as Jesus did is the desire to contribute to the goodness of the world, to leave a positive impact and make a difference. These goals are not mutually exclusive, but rather interwoven, forming the framework for a life of apprenticeship to Jesus.
The Disconnect Between Being a Christian and Being a Disciple
The podcast highlights the disconnect between identifying as a Christian and being a disciple of Jesus. The term 'Christian' has evolved over time and carries different meanings, often associated with religious beliefs or cultural associations. However, discipleship, as exemplified by Jesus and emphasized in the New Testament, calls for intentional commitment and a transformed way of life. Discipleship involves devotion to Jesus as the center of one's life and the pursuit of radical transformation into his image, rather than mere adherence to a set of beliefs or occasional church attendance.
The Steep Price of Discipleship
The podcast explores the cost of discipleship, emphasizing the challenging nature of following Jesus. It requires denying oneself, taking up one's cross, and surrendering to Jesus' call to lose one's life in order to find true and abundant life. This surrender involves redirecting one's desires, aligning them with the deep longing for union with God, the pursuit of goodness and love, and the desire to make a positive impact in the world. While this may seem daunting, it is suggested that people are already paying a price for another center in their lives, and redirecting that devotion to Jesus offers the opportunity for transformation and fulfillment.
The Holistic Model of Apprenticeship
The podcast presents the holistic model of apprenticeship to Jesus, drawing parallels with the apprentice-master relationship in various fields. In this model, discipleship encompasses more than just acquiring knowledge or attending classes. It involves a participatory learning style rooted in relationship and practice. Just as apprentices to a master immerse themselves in the master's life, followers of Jesus are invited to walk closely with him, imitating his life and eventually participating in his work. This holistic approach integrates cognition, body, relationships, and practice, allowing for transformation and deeper engagement with the teachings and life of Jesus.
In Episode 01: Apprentice to Jesus, John Mark Comer and Tyler Staton define what it means to be an apprentice of Jesus in contrast to current understandings of the term “Christian” in Western culture, why apprenticeship is so desperately needed, and the myth of radical individualism.
This podcast accompanies the book Practicing the Way. Subscribe to the podcast to stay up to date on future episodes. To learn more about the book, visit www.practicingtheway.org/book. To begin building your personalized Rule of Life, go to www.practicingtheway.org/ruleoflifebuilder.
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