The Bible has numerous references to disciples. As Jesus departs from his followers, he instructs them to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” suggesting that this is a historical occurrence as well (Matthew 28:19). What then does the term “disciple” mean?
A definition
A disciple is essentially a student or learner who follows the teacher’s instructions and heeds his or her lessons. This was standard procedure in the time of the Bible. If you wanted to learn, especially in religious topics, you became a disciple of someone else rather than attending college.
The apostle Paul, for instance, was raised in this city and received his early education at the hands of Gamaliel, following the rigid guidelines of the law of his fathers. He was a Jew who was born in Tarsus, Cilicia (Acts 22:3). In addition, John the Baptist had disciples (John 1:35–37; 3:25, Matthew 11:2; 14:12), as did the Pharisees, a theological sect (Matthew 22:16).
Jesus’ disciples
The majority of allusions to disciples in the Bible are to Jesus’ followers, which makes sense given that Jesus is [the most significant figure in the New Testament]. When Jesus started His mission, He selected a group of people He called His twelve disciples (John 1:37–41; Mark 3:14–19; Luke 6:13–16). These twelve men held a special place in Jesus’ inner circle, even if there were other disciples who followed him for a while.
Disciples follow their teacher
For roughly three years, as Jesus traveled, His disciples accompanied Him closely. They lodged with him (John 2:12), attended weddings together as if they were family (which is, in fact, what Jesus thinks of them; John 2:2; Matthew 12:49), and participated in religious feasts together (e.g. Mark 14:14).
Despite the fact that Jesus did not achieve the political success his followers had hoped for, these disciples remained true to him. According to John 11:16, “Thomas, also known as the Twin, said to His fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” The disciples ran away in terror when Jesus was actually taken prisoner.
Even so, they accompanied Jesus to observe what transpired during these difficult times (John 18:15), and they grieved with him after his passing. Because of their intimate bond, the disciples were superb firsthand witnesses to Jesus’ teachings, healings, and eventual resurrection (see, for example, Luke 19:37; John 21:24; 1 Corinthians 15:5-8).
Disciples get “private education”
Preaching to the people about the arrival of [God’s Kingdom] was one of Jesus’ main responsibilities (Matthew 4:17, 11:1).
However, his closest followers frequently received further training (Matthew 20:17; Mark 4:34; Mark 10:10). The most significant lessons that the disciples learned, while they didn’t fully comprehend them, had to do with Jesus’ impending death and resurrection (see, for example, Matthew 16:21). Since they were to proclaim the gospel to all nations, it was imperative that they comprehend the actual nature of Jesus and His mission.
Disciples become like their teacher
In addition to learning from and seeing the teacher’s way of life, the aim of discipleship is to imitate the teacher’s actions and turn into one of their followers. “Everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher; a disciple is not above his teacher” (Luke 6:40).
We read in Luke 9:1-6 how Jesus commissions his disciples to carry out His own mission, which is “to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.” They are equipped for this mission by Jesus Himself. He “gave them authority and power over all demons and the ability to heal illnesses.” These were tasks that Jesus’ followers were unable to complete on their own. They made one unsuccessful attempt (Matthew 17:14–20).
Later, with the help of the Holy Spirit, they were able to carry out miracles just like Jesus had done and “be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8; 5:12-16). Jesus had already made this promise to them in John 14:12–13. “I swear to you that I am going to the Father, so whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do, and greater works than these will he do.” I will fulfill all of your requests in My name so that the Son may exalt the Father.
All believers are disciples
The twelve disciples continued to hold a vital place in Jesus’ life even after his death and resurrection. They were referred to as “apostles” because they had personally witnessed Jesus’ ministry. Those who converted to Christianity later in life did not hold this unique position. However, Acts 6:7 refers to them as “disciples” as well.
Acts 11:26 informs us that disciples are also referred to as “Christians“. Though it may be a more popular name these days, a true Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, according to Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands his disciples to “make disciples of all nations.” Teaching people how to follow Jesus in every aspect of their life is a necessary part of spreading the gospel. Did you know that this is what it means to be a Christian?
Characteristics of modern disciples
We are to follow Jesus, absorb his teachings, and mature into His likeness, just as the disciples did throughout His earthly ministry. Jesus declared, “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples,” in John 8:31.
Love for one another (John 13:35) and bearing spiritual fruit (John 15:8) are two more traits of disciples. This conduct is a reflection of Jesus. Anyone who closely follows Jesus has an inward transformation (Romans 12:2).
Being a disciple comes at a cost
It is obvious that “following Jesus” has a price if becoming a disciple is to include doing so. There is nothing else that can hold a higher priority than Jesus. According to Luke 14:26–27 and 14:33, the Lord Jesus is more important than our families and even our own lives.
Furthermore, it’s not always appreciated by others that we are Christians. We too may face [persecution, perhaps death], as did Jesus. Jesus forewarned his followers about this, saying, “Remember what I told you: A servant is not superior to his master. According to John 15:20, “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well.”
Being a disciple is the best thing ever
Nonetheless, following Jesus is an amazing journey. Having a deep relationship with Jesus will lead to eternal life in addition to being a significant blessing during this life. “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand,” said Jesus Christ Himself in John 10:28.
Do you follow Jesus as a disciple? How is your life different now that you follow Jesus?
