Jesus invites the world to follow Him. He invites the world to “repent and believe the good news’ (verse 15). In other words, He calls the world to discipleship. What is discipleship? What does it mean to be a disciple? Can someone, anyone, follow Jesus and not “repent and believe the good news” (verse 15)? The answer to this question depends on the meaning of the words “disciple” and “repentance”.
The word disciple means “one who follows”. A disciple follows someone else. In the context of the New Testament, a disciple follows a teacher. Jesus’ disciples call Him “teacher” on several occasions [example: “The next day John (the Baptist) was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’ They said, ‘Rabbi’ (which means ‘Teacher’), ‘where are you staying?’ ‘Come,’ he replied, ‘and you will see.’ ” (John 1:35-39) emphasis added]. Jesus’ disciples follow Him physically. Jesus and His disciples actually travel from point to point throughout ancient Palestine. Examples of Jesus’ disciples physically following Him are too numerous to list here.
Jesus’ disciples also spiritually follow Him. They may agree with Jesus’ teaching. They may accept Jesus’ teaching as true. This is not always the case, however. There are occasions when Jesus’ disciples leave Him because of His teaching [example: “On hearing it (it: ‘I am the bread of life’), many of his disciples said, ‘This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?’ Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, ‘Does this offend you? … The words I have spoken to you – they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, ‘This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.’ From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” (John 6:60-66) emphasis added]. Not all of Jesus’ disciples follow Him spiritually. Some of His disciples follow Him physically only, for physical reasons only. For example, bread [“After the people saw the sign Jesus performed (sign: the feeding of the five thousand), they began to say, ‘Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.’ Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.” (John 6:14-15) emphasis added]. Are the disciples, who only follow Jesus physically, truly His disciples? – Probably not. A spiritual element is necessary for true discipleship.
The word repentance means “to turn”. A repentant person turns. In the context of the Bible, a repentant person turns from his (or her) sinful ways and turns toward God. The physical image of a repentant person shows him (or her) facing one way and, then, turning to face the opposite direction. The physical manifestation of repentance is only possible if spiritual repentance comes first. A person repents spiritually first and, then, physical proof manifests itself in his (or her) life [example: “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation – if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant” (Colossians 1:21-23) emphasis added]. Examples like this are not always the case, however. Sometimes Jesus’ disciples turn away from Him and no longer “repent and believe the good news” (verse 15).
Can Jesus’ disciples follow Him and not “repent and believe the good news” (verse 15)? The answer is “no”. How can someone, anyone, be Jesus’ disciple if he (or she) does not turn and follow Him? How can someone, anyone, be Jesus’ disciple if he (or she) is facing away from Him (recall the physical image of repentance above)? How can someone, anyone, follow Jesus if he (or she) is walking in the opposite direction from Him?
Jesus’ disciples sometimes turn away from Him. This is not Jesus’ fault, however. He wants all the world to follow Him, yet not everyone will. Some may follow Him. Some may follow Him and, then, fall away. Some may not follow Him at all. Yet, His invitation to discipleship still exists. Jesus invites the world to follow Him. He invites the world to “repent and believe the good news” (verse 15).
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. – Mark 1:14-20
