Discipleship is a strange word. It either makes us think of a cult follower or a mindless celebrity groupie. I think Satan works hard to take these key ideas away from us and corrupt them with modern culture.

At the very least, we know that a disciple is not merely a fan (which is all the rage right now) but rather someone who is committed to following in the footsteps of someone else. A mentor. A guru. A teacher. But Jesus had some strange things to say about it.

Certainly, Jesus wanted people who were committed to following him. That goes without saying.

Passive believers (which our churches are full of) are not what he had in mind. Some people call them "cultural Christians."

Proactive followers who would take the initiative to demonstrate the power of God in their lives while, at the same time, being totally dependent on him to change the human heart. That’s what he had in mind.

But Jesus went even further.

Just when you thought Jesus was reasonable, he goes too far. Following him is not merely a question of commitment but rather of total commitment, above family, above community, above social norms.

But can’t I bury my father who just died? No.

But can’t I clean up my affairs first and then come and follow you? No.

This is urgent. This is important. People are coming and forcing their way into the kingdom of God. They are passionate. They are excited. There is no doubt. No hesitation. No questions. They want nothing more than to follow the Messiah, even to their deaths.

That kind of passionate discipleship, shall we call it “radical” discipleship, is not normal, not reasonable, even though Jesus, himself, said he wanted no other kind. If you were not going to follow him passionately, then just stay at home.

That’s not to say that there wasn’t room for growth. I seriously doubt that any of the disciples really understood where this path of discipleship would take them, many of them to their deaths, but they followed anyway.

Why?

Because of who Jesus was. Nothing more. Nothing less. And that’s what discipleship truly is. Following the one who is worthy to be followed above all other things.

Leaving boats and businesses behind. Leaving friends and family behind. Leaving all other ambitions behind. Seeking the pearl of great price. To please God.

That is the kind of discipleship that is “radical” in any age.

Outline

Introduction

Chapter One – Call Me Rabbino (draft)

Chapter Two – Holiness and the Way of the Cross

Chapter Three – Desert Warriors

Chapter Four – Maturity in Christ

Chapter Five – Spiritual Conversations

Chapter Six – The Weakness

Chapter Seven – Your Life Ministry

Chapter Eight – The Fellowship of the Cross

Chapter Nine – Keep Moving Forward

Chapter Ten – The Way of the Desert Warrior (story)

Conclusion