Acts 2:37-39
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Reflection
As soon as the disciples had received the promised Holy Spirit they wasted no time in starting to proclaim the good news of God’s work through Jesus Christ. If you read further on in this scripture passage you will discover that three thousand people responded to Peter’s message and became believers in Jesus. The church from its earliest moments was about making disciples of Jesus Christ.
When we make disciples it is not just about conversion, saying the right words, believing in Jesus and then going to heaven. That’s part of it but it is much more. Making disciples and living our discipleship means that we follow in the footsteps of Jesus. We spend time with Jesus and with people who know and love Jesus. We learn the ways of Jesus. We become like Jesus. Being a disciple of Jesus is being apprenticed in the way of Jesus. Ultimately, discipleship means that we are being transformed into the image of Jesus.
How does this view of discipleship change your view of what it means to follow Jesus?
What does it mean for you and your life to be transformed into the image of Jesus?
