Apprenticeship. Something to think about.

Hello again

An article on apprenticeships caught my eye this week. It argued that for many young people apprenticeships are a good alternative to university, offering a first step onto the career ladder while enabling them to earn while they learn.

The system of apprenticeship dates back to the late middle ages, where young people lived with a skilled professional and learned their craft. Evidence of the practice of apprenticeship can even be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome.

But you might be surprised to learn that Jesus’ disciples were technically unpaid apprentices. The Aramaic word rendered as disciple in the gospels – talmid – might better be translated as apprentice. When you think about it, this makes a lot of sense. The disciples lived with Jesus, watched and listened to him and ultimately, followed in his footsteps, learning from their Master.

And what about you and me, in the here and now? When we accepted Jesus’ invitation to follow him, we didn’t just become Christians. We became his apprentices. We chose to be with him every waking moment, to sit at his feet, listen to his voice and obey him.

As Jesus himself said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”. (Matt. 16:24)

Are you an apprentice to Jesus? It’s something worth thinking about.

Kind regards

Peter
 

About the Writer:

Peter Mill is a Minister and Regional Co-Pastor for Scotland, Ireland and the North of England.