Not many Christians are disciples. If we read Jesus’ definitions of His disciples, we would know this is true. Even when He walked the earth, only a few who followed Him were His disciples. Being a convert, a believer in Jesus as the Messiah and in His sacrifice on the cross for our redemption is a start, but the Christian life is meant to be far more.  

          To be a disciple of Jesus is another level, as indicated by His definitions. In the first century, to be a disciple of any noteworthy teacher of Israel was a total commitment. Many teachers wouldn’t even allow their disciples to marry, so nothing could distract them from learning from their master. Jesus allowed His disciples to marry, as we see Peter was married when the Lord called him. In fact, one reason God gave us marriage was to teach us about our relationship with Him. Nevertheless, to be a disciple of Jesus deserves no less than total commitment to learning from the Master, so we can become like Him and do His works. 

         True discipleship, as defined by Jesus, is next-level Christianity compared to what most believers see or experience. In fact, like the tabernacles and temples, which were prophetic models of the church, there are three levels for getting closer to God’s glory. The whole congregation could enter the outer court, just as all believers today can enter what this represents. However, only the priests could enter the Holy Place, and only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies. 

         The outer court represented the cross. The brazen altar, where the sacrifices were made, represented what Jesus would accomplish by His sacrifice. The outer court also represented sanctification through the brazen laver, where those who performed sacrifices washed. Also, in the outer court, was acacia wood, which represented our natural, human lives (acacia is a twisted, snarled, knotted wood that’s difficult to work with). In the outer court, we’re still natural, and the only light there is a natural light. 

         In the next level, the Holy Place, all the acacia wood was overlaid with pure gold. This represented the divine nature. The only light there came from the lampstand, which burned olive oil, representing the Holy Spirit. Embroidered on the wall coverings in the Holy Place were angelic majesties, which represented the spiritual or heavenly realm. Few Christians enter this realm, though some may occasionally peek inside. Hebrews 9:6 says that the priests continually entered this place, performing the divine service. The priests represent the next level in our relationship with Him, which is to continually enter the spiritual realm to minister to the Lord. 

         The great majority of Christians remain in the outer court. The ministry to the people this represents is crucial. Since the priests also did this ministry, we must never get so advanced in the Lord that we no longer lead people to the cross or teach others how to live the disciplined, sanctified life. Still, many who do so never graduate to where they continually enter to minister to the Lord. 

          In Revelation 11:2, we see there will come a time when the outer court will be “given to the nations” and will no longer be part of the temple, indicating those in this place will be overrun by the nations. This seems to be happening now as many institutional churches and ministries have compromised with the world.  

          No doubt, we need revelation to interpret Revelation, as well as Daniel’s prophecies, which he was told to seal up until the end, and other prophecies concerning these times. Still, the Great Commission is to make disciples, not converts. There may come a time when those who have not submitted their all to Him can no longer stand because the outer court has been given over to the heathens.

          As Jesus warned in Matthew 24:12, “Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold.” When we see darkness and lawlessness increasing, that is not the time to be lukewarm. If you are reading this, you are likely a disciple or at least on the path toward becoming one. Still, is it not time to give ourselves to being His disciple and encouraging all believers to do so as well? Is this not “the Great Commission”? How can we not give our all to the King of kings who gave His all for us? Is this not the time?

© 2024 Rick Joyner. All Rights Reserved.