The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
Week 4: The Cost of Discipleship — What It Means to Follow Jesus
Read Chapter 4 (or Session 4) of The Divine Conspiracy. Key passages: Matthew 7:13–27; Luke 9:23–26; John 15:1–17.
Previewing Week 4 of The Divine Conspiracy
Read 3 of 8 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 7-week guide when you’re ready.
Willard does not let us off the hook: following Jesus is not a metaphor or a lifestyle preference — it is an apprenticeship that reorganizes everything.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.Willard defines a disciple as someone who is with Jesus, learning from Jesus, and becoming like Jesus — in the specific rhythms of ordinary life. How does this definition compare to how your church or tradition has used the word "disciple"?
2.Willard uses the analogy of learning a craft — say, a piano student under a master — to describe what it means to be an apprentice of Jesus. What does this analogy illuminate about discipleship? What might it miss?
3.One of Willard's most provocative claims is that the church has effectively separated being a Christian from being a disciple — that you can be "saved" without being expected to grow, change, or follow. Have you seen this separation in practice? What has been the cost of it?
a.What would your church community look like if discipleship were treated as the normal expectation for every follower of Jesus?
b.What would it cost you personally to commit to discipleship as Willard defines it?