Everybody’s got an opinion as to what a disciple is and does. However, I don’t think most of us have a clue when it comes to what it really means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ! I don’t even think I’ve figured it all out, but it might be a good idea for us all that we get our definition of discipleship from Jesus. Good idea?
The first time the word disciple is used in the Bible , it is used by Jesus Himself, in Matthew 10:24-25: “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master.” (NASB).
The word “disciple” here in English is the Greek word “mathetes” which means: “a pupil, learner, or student”. In other words, a disciple of Jesus is a student of Jesus Christ. We’re learning from Jesus. We’re allowing Him to teach us through His Word and through His Spirit. To learn, a student has to study, listen, and pass tests that prove that he/she can apply what has been taught. So it is with disciples of Jesus.
Jesus gives us other clues as to what it means to be a disciple in this passage: “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.” In other words, a disciples is UNDER the leadership of His teacher. This is where, as disciples, we’ve got to realize that if Jesus is just our Savior, then we’re not a disciple! We can’t stay where we are and follow someone. Discipleship involves movement! To be a disciple, we must be following the leadership and authority of of Jesus on a daily basis in our lives! Our character and lifestyle must be under the influence of our Master Teacher!
All of this leads us to the final glimpse into what a disciple is and does. Jesus went on in this passage to say: “It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master.” In other words, a disciple seeks to emulate, or become like, his /her teacher. So to be a disciple of Jesus, we must be daily seeking to BECOME more like Jesus. To become like someone, we’ve got to know a lot about them; know what they’re like; be close enough to watch them at work; and through trial and error seeking to model their behavior.
So, here’s the bottom line: If we are learning from Jesus, placing our lives under the authority of Jesus, and seeking to become more like Jesus daily, we are a disciple. If we’re not, we may be busy at church or “ministry” but we’re not a disciple. So my question for you today is: Are you a disciple of Jesus?
Great post Shawn. Definitely relevant as I have wrestled through what it means to disciple others in light of the amazing stuff that God has done in Las Vegas last weekend (http://downwritehonest.com/archives/656). Timely post. Thanks for the challenge.
Posted by: Benji Zimmerman | May 06, 2009 at 07:07 PM
Wow, Shawn, I don't think I've ever heard a clearer, more Biblical explanation of discipleship. It's an honor to serve as a growth group leader at Mountain Lake, because that's what we do there--make disciples.
Posted by: Terry Kneeburg | May 07, 2009 at 08:36 PM
Great post. Great explanation of what a disciple is.
Posted by: Scottie Sellers | May 11, 2009 at 08:56 PM