The word “disciple” is an interesting word. It is the Greek word “mathetes” from where we get our word “mathematics.” Mathematics literally means “disposed to learn.” The word “disciple” occurs 238 times in the Gospels and 28 times in the transitional book of Acts. It does not appear at all in the Epistles. Instead of disciple, we find the words “saint” and “brethren.”
Rudy GrayA disciple is someone who is committed to learning and applying the truth of God in order to better follow Jesus. Every person who is born again is called to be a disciple. Christians were called “people of the way” or disciples before they were called Christians.
A disciple is a person who learns about Jesus and follows Jesus. A disciple is born again and becomes God’s instrument for helping others know Christ as Savior and develop a lifelong commitment of learning and following him.
In Matthew 28:19, God’s people are called to “make disciples” of all the nations. Would Jesus counsel us to do something we could not do? The question for our age is “How do we make disciples?” Disciple-making can occur in large groups, small groups, informally, formally, or even one on one. The essence of disciple-making is being God’s tool in helping someone learn the truth and follow the Lord Jesus.
In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus encountered three men on the road. All three failed at becoming disciples. Our Lord ended that encounter with these words, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Being a disciple is about growing, maturing and developing. Making disciples is about helping others do the same.
In Matthew 16:24-25, Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
Whatever discipleship involves, it includes denying ourselves. This means not just denying ourselves things or giving up something. It is more radical. It is an act of perpetual surrender to Christ as Lord. It a continual commitment away from our old self to our new identity in Christ. This process requires constant learning.
It also includes taking up our cross. Jesus did not suggest we take up his cross. That cross occupies the most sacred place in history. It was the instrument of the sacrifice of himself for our sin. However, the cross is an instrument of death. When we take up our cross we turn from our old life (self) to grow in our new life in Christ. That also requires constant learning.
Finally, we are commanded to simply follow Jesus. We are to learn the truth and live the truth. He is the truth (John 14:6) and his word is truth (John 17:17).
To live as a disciple is to live a radical life by the standards of the world or even our own culture. It will be tough. It will be marked by growth and development in our new life. Discipleship is about learning God’s truth and following God’s Son. The one thing that characterizes discipleship is commitment. No one can be a disciple without it.