Discipleship is based on content; discipleship is more than loyalty to a leader. The teacher needs to have something significant to teach; he needs to have something to give.
Jesus had something to say. His teaching was challenging. He did not teach what they already knew; nor did He teach what was too abstract to be useful. Jesus taught about life; He gave light for what was real to those who listened. He taught about real things. If He were teaching us today, He might have used examples of Western materialism, the hypocrisy of our religious culture, and the addictions of our world. He would address us, challenging us to make real changes.
Jesus challenged those who listened to make changes in their lives. he preached that the kingdom of God is near; when He taught He taught how to find it. Those who listened heard about reality; what He taught applied.
Jesus used contrast often, taking examples from their culture. He could make what He taught useful because He could clearly state what was right and what was wrong.
Teaching should be challenging to understand, have significant application, and be illustrated with clear examples. Teaching should use language and details that are understandable, but the content should be difficult. Teaching should communicate change, not creed.
Excerpt from
"The Foundation of Discipleship" by Greg Whitten, angiken@gmail.com] or Basic Christianity
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