A few weeks ago, I discussed the importance of being Jesus’ apprentices. But what does it mean to be an apprentice? Historically, apprenticeships required individuals to meet several key expectations to ensure they successfully learned and mastered their chosen trade: Commitment and loyalty to their master Obedience and respect in following instructions/rules Willingness to learn and spend time developing their trade Hard work and diligence even in menial tasks Perseverance and patience with challenges Good behavior and ethical conduct Personal sacrifice and full commitment to training These expectations ensured that apprentices could eventually become skilled practitioners and possibly masters themselves, contributing to the continuity and quality of the craft. So how does the historical account of what an apprentice looked like correspond to being Jesus’ apprentice? Jesus told us in Luke 9:23-24 what is required: “Then He said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow Me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it.” Let’s break it down into a few key