Advances in DNA technology have resulted in the increased use of DNA tests. From paternity tests to criminal investigations, the accuracy and data provided mean that millions of people are now turning to DNA testing to answer their questions. By using DNA testing, we can now confirm biological sibling, parent, and grandparent relationships. If you are interested in your family tree, you can use DNA to search for genetic ancestors. Of course, some may not want to know. One man paid $5,000 to discover his family tree and another $10,000 to cover it back up!
But what if a spiritual DNA test were available to determine if a common ancestry exists between first century disciples and us today? Even though we are separated by 2000 years plus different geography, language, and customs, is there a common DNA that would say we are related?
If Jesus gave us a discipleship DNA test kit to test ourselves as well as those we are discipling, would we want to use it? Or would we be threatened by it and prefer to simply assume we are biblical disciples? If we are bold enough to want to know, where could we go to find such a test?
Actually, Jesus did give His disciples a universal DNA test kit. It was applicable in His day and it is applicable for us today, regardless of the century we live in or our culture. Are we courageous enough to use it?
In our Anatomy of Discipleship (TADB 59) series, we have been discussing:
- The Profile of Discipleship: Apprenticeship (TADB 60)
- The Purpose of Discipleship: Image bearer (TADB 61)
- The Pattern of Discipleship: Transformation (TADB 62)
- The Provision for Discipleship: Grace/responsibility (TADB 63)
- The Priority of Discipleship: Critical but not urgent (TADB 64)
- The Process of Discipleship: Journey (TADB 65)…and now
- The Proof of Discipleship: DNA
If there is to be a measure of discipleship that is universal and not limited by cultures, we would expect it to be driven by principle rather than a particular application. And that is exactly what we find in the gospels as Jesus addresses “true discipleship”. He has given us authoritative DNA markers that we are not free to reinvent or replace with substitutes. Therefore, it is essential for us to know what those markers are and use them to define our discipleship. This discipleship DNA test is not about having a healthy ministry or church rather it is about being and making the kind of people Jesus would call His disciples.
There are four tests of discipleship that are recorded in the gospel narrative. Jesus did not give them as part of a lecture, but rather in the context of training His disciples. There are certainly more discipleship traits than these four, but there cannot be less.
Remember these discipleship indicators are not something we accomplish like a check off list. There is no room for a “been there, done that” attitude. Rather they give us qualities that should be evident but also growing in depth and application. Unlike physical DNA that is permanent and static, discipleship DNA is developed over a lifetime; it can even be lost.
Jesus said His disciples would be characterized as:
1. Submitting to the authority and leadership of Christ: SACRIFICIAL ALLEGIANCE
If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:26).
A disciple is one who consistently submits to the authority and leadership of Christ, making God’s kingdom his highest priority (Matt 6:33).
2. Searching the Scripture in order to obey it: FAITHFUL OBEDIENCE
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free (John 8:31-32).
A disciple is one who makes the Scripture the final authority for all of life, seeking to know His truth, obey His commands, and live by a biblical, kingdom worldview.
3. Loving others the way Jesus loves: SERVANT LOVE
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35)
A disciple is one who has an increasing love for others expressed in humility, community, and acts of service.
4. Supporting kingdom expansion through spiritual generations: SPIRITUAL FRUITFULNESS
“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8).
A disciple is one who lives as Christ’s ambassador, living and sharing the gospel of Christ and His kingdom.
What would happen if instead of measuring how many programs we attended, Bible studies we filled out or projects we served in, we actually used these four traits as indicators of our level of discipleship? What if regardless of the tools we used, we prayed these qualities into the lives of those we are mentoring?
Questions for reflection:
- How did Jesus model each of these traits?
- How could these traits be demonstrated in our current culture?
NOTE: I have given an executive summary of the four discipleship traits here and if you want more explanation, go to TADB #34-41. Better yet, reflect on these passages and write your own explanation.