Discipleship Parable

In the movie Strange, the main character (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) is shown a new world that he had yet to believe existed by the “Ancient One,” who mentors this formerly arrogant doctor. Eventually, we discover that the Ancient One needs to replicate the work and magic she has learned to another person; the work will die off if it is just left with her. It is imperative for her to replicate not only the abilities but also the type of character formation that was needed. The Ancient One initially did not want to teach Dr. Strange, due to his arrogance, but he became humbled by seeing how little he knew of her world. In a similar way, discipleship is not just sharpening skills of Scripture memorization or speaking well but rather a holistic way to reproduce the work of God in another person that affects their actions and character.