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What does it mean to truly follow Jesus Christ? The book “Disciple” challenges the idea that being a disciple of Jesus cannot stop at merely identifying as a Christian or attending church. It is to commit to a radical life in complete obedience to God’s will, to differentiate being a “fan” of Jesus to being a true “follower.” 

I spent most of my life in “comfortable Christianity,” and the result of this has been lukewarm faith and an incomplete understanding of what it means to be a Christian. This book really challenges that notion of being a comfortable, Sunday Christian and pushed me to face the truth about being a disciple and asking the hard questions about how I choose to follow Jesus. Ortiz distinguishes between fans and true followers of Jesus, which is something I had never fully grasped before reading this book. Fans admire Jesus, show up when it’s convenient, and enjoy His teachings when they align with their own preferences. But true disciples are those willing to lay down everything to follow Christ at any cost. Whether it's the call to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, or love our enemies, true discipleship requires EVERYTHING. Surrendering our desires, possessions, time, and everything the world calls us to love and idolize. 

For me, one of the more difficult parts of the book was when the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew was referenced. The man walked away from Jesus because he couldn’t part with his wealth. I couldn’t help but put myself in that situation. If Jesus came to me, right now, in this very moment, and told me to lay down everything to follow Him, could I do it ? If I’m being truthful, I hesitate and struggle to answer. I rely on worldly things so much more than I care to admit, and although I pray about it, I still believe I am too weak to give up everything for the sake of the kingdom of God. 

It’s uncomfortable to be forced to confront the areas of my life where I had been holding back from truly following Jesus. It’s easy to claim the title of “Christian” without embracing the cost of discipleship. It’s a wake-up call that I desperately needed. For me, it was a critical step to acknowledging my sinful nature and weaknesses. It allowed me to bring my shamefulness before the Lord and ask for strength to one day commit to a life of discipleship.