“Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.” - Mark 2:13-14
In the 1990s, I was driving in my car when I received a call from the richest man in the world. My first thought? This had to be a prank from one of my brothers. But there was no mistake, the voice—it was Bill Gates. I had invited him to speak at an international conference at our church, and the invitation had been delivered by one of his top executives. Now, Gates himself was calling me to decline but letting me know he was sending his second-in-command instead. Imagine that! A personal call from Bill Gates!
Now, imagine what Levi felt when Jesus Christ—the Son of God, the Savior of the world—walked up to him, a despised tax collector, and said, “Follow me.” Not just an invitation, but a calling; a life-changing, world-shaking moment. And here’s the truth: Jesus is extending that same invitation to you. Not just to be a typical Christian, but to be his apprentice. To follow him with your whole life.
My favorite professor, Dr. Dallas Willard, once said: “There is no problem that cannot be overcome by a lifetime apprenticeship to Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”
The Need for Discipleship in a Deconstructing World
It used to be that if you asked someone, “Are you a Christian?” they would say yes, no, or I don’t know. But today, if you ask 12 people that same question, you might get 12 different answers. Why? Because we live in an era of deconstruction. We have taken apart institutions, beliefs, and traditions, some of it necessary, some of it beneficial. But in the process, many have lost their trust in everything. Instead of building something better, we are often left with nothing. This is why discipleships are more important than ever. In a world where skepticism runs deep, people need personal, living examples of what it means to follow Jesus. They need mentors—not just institutions, but individuals who will walk with them in faith.
Have you ever been truly discipled or more importantly discipled someone else? Have you poured your heart, time, and soul into another person, guiding them to live as an apprentice of Jesus? What about your children? Your spouse? Your brothers, sisters, or parents? Your co-workers? Have you invested in their spiritual growth—not just with words, but with love, time, and presence? Discipleship isn’t just about Bible studies; it’s about walking alongside people in their struggles, having deep and honest conversations, sharing moments of joy, and being someone, they can count on.
An Invitation to Something Greater
I believe one reason people cling to anger and self-righteousness today is because it shields them from vulnerability. It keeps them from building real relationships and real faith. But Jesus calls us to something deeper—something life-giving.
This Sunday, I have the privilege of preaching at Washington Cathedral, and I want to invite you—whether in person or online—to join me. The message could change your life. It could give you the answers you’ve been searching for. I’m calling my sermon: “The Super Bowl for Jesus People: Discipled and Discipling.”
I believe God is calling us to something greater. Will you answer the call?
Your friend for life,
Pastor Tim White