Discipleship Built On Treasuring Christ

Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is discovered through joy, not pressure. In Matthew 13:44, He describes a man who finds a treasure in a field and, from joy, sells everything he has. In the Parable of Sowing we see there is a valuing or reception of the word with joy, Matthew 13:20. This make sense because what Jesus offers as treasure is not valued by worldly standards. So for one to follow Jesus, one must value what he has to offer.

Becoming a disciple of Jesus begins when he is seen and valued as the greatest treasure.

Beholding the Treasure

Discipleship begins with revelation. The Spirit opens the eyes of the heart to recognize the worth of Christ. Without this, discipleship becomes obligation. Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13:44 shows that the discovery of Christ’s value is the starting point of spiritual change.

Valuing the Treasure

Once Christ is beheld, the light reveals the heart and in believing new birth occurs (Ephesians 1;13-14). The old life loses its appeal because something greater has been found. The man in the above parable sells all he has because the treasure is worth more than everything he gives up. Joy is found in finding such treasure.

Choosing the Treasure

Paul explains in Galatians 5:16–17 that the flesh and Spirit oppose each other. When Christ is treasured, the believer's desires and mind align with the Spirit’s desires. Obedience flows from desire, not pressure. Walking by the Spirit becomes the expression of valuing Christ.

Becoming Like the Treasure

Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that believers are transformed by beholding the glory of the Lord. This is conformation, not performance. As Christ is treasured and beheld, His character is formed in the believer. Discipleship is becoming like what we value most. The disciples maturity is limited by the maturity of the one teaching.

Multiplying the Treasure

When Christ is treasured, His life overflows into others. Disciples make disciples because the joy of knowing Christ cannot remain private. This reflects Jesus’ commission in Matthew 28:18–20, where discipleship flows from His authority and presence. Paul's mission was to present the church as a pure bride to Christ.

Discipleship is getting involved in a peoples lives at a deeper level. Unlike preaching and teaching which is without real interaction, discipleship is a live back and forth interaction that meets them in their walk of faith. This type of learning has proven to be more successful.

Discipleship is not structured program, not a conveyor belt to grow exponentially, though done right it will. A few hours a week would take decades to spend the quality time Jesus did with his disciples, no structured program can replace that. But it is meant to help problem-solving of life's issues, master complex concepts, develop mature thinking, debating, and collaboration. It is better at learning, giving real-time feedback, deeper understanding, increased engagement, fostering critical thinking, builds motivation (peer inspiration), addresses misconceptions quickly, and develops social-emotional skills.

It is also very transparent, a way to prove, going deeper than the "Sunday School" answer children are taught at an earlier age. The key to discipleship in a church that has never done it or done it improperly is having people mature in knowledge of Jesus to do it. Not those who have been promoted for some other reason. It requires the great to become servants to build up children.

Jesus knew of the power of discipleship.

Summary

Discipleship is driven by treasure. It begins with seeing Christ, continues with valuing Christ, and results in becoming like Christ. This framework aligns with the new‑creation identity and prevents discipleship from becoming a system of effort rather than a response to joy.

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