"Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter)."

John 1:40-42

The Greek word that translates as ‘disciple’ means learner. The Rabbi-disciple relationship of biblical times was more like the ancient guru-shishya (master-disciple) tradition of India and Sri Lanka, where the shishya (disciple) was a live-in learner in the home of the guru (master). A disciple did not merely learn a trade or craft but also a whole way of life. The Master-disciple relationship was central to this learning process, by attending closely to the Master’s whole lifestyle. Learning involved listening, observing, interacting, and imitating.

When Jesus asked two would-be disciples, ‘What do you want?’, they responded, ‘… where are you staying?’ (v. 38). The disciples spent quality time with Jesus, not just that day but over many months and years—listening to him teach, questioning and being questioned, seeing signs and discussing their significance, and observing his interactions with all types of people. Jesus’ call, to ‘Come’ (v. 39) and ‘Follow’ (v. 43) was never a command to pursue a curriculum but an invitation to ‘be with him’ and deepen their relationship with him.

Formation that leads to transformation cannot be completed within the confines of the classroom but takes place in all the spaces we inhabit in our everyday lives.

* Jesus' vision for Peter to become Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter 42) really touched me in 1980 when I was going through dark times in life after completing my military service. I accepted Jesus' vision for Peter as my vision in Him (Pastor Bona Hong discipled me one on one in the midst of his busy pastoral life). Jesus formed me for the past 45 years as His servand and a leader. Praise be to Jesus my Lord and Savior.

Closing Prayer

As you show me your work, Father, school me in your ways and lead me to truth; I want to be a fruitful witness for you to the end of my life (edited from Encounter with God).