The Disciples of Christ
1 - What is a Disciple?
One of the earliest acts of the Lord Jesus Christ, on starting His great mission to mankind, was to challenge and call those who would be willing to become His followers. As a result they became known as His disciples. They are frequently described in this way in the four Gospels.
Towards the end of His mission, some three years later, one of His final acts was to commission these disciples to go out into the world in His Name. They were to "make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." They were to teach these new disciples to obey everything that the Lord Jesus had commanded them; and He gave them this promise, "And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age". You can read this in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 28 verses 19 and 20. Today we thank God that for almost two thousand years His willing servants have faithfully preached this message across the world. As a result of this, sinners are still responding to the call of Christ, and are becoming His disciples.
The New Testament of the Bible was written originally in the Greek language and the word disciple is very interesting. There are three Greek words used to describe it. The first of these is akolutheo. This means to follow or to accompany. The second word is mathetes, and this means to learn, just as you would as a scholar or student. The third Greek word used to describe a disciple is mimeomai. This has the meaning of mimicking, or imitating, or to wish to be like someone.
So, a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ is one who learns from his teachings; is one who follows in his footsteps, and who, as a result, becomes one who imitates Christ’s way of life. In simple terms, I like to see it this way. A Christian disciple is an individual who, by personal choice, responds readily to the Lord Jesus Christ having heard His sweet call.
Then a Christian disciple is one who follows faithfully having recognised the Leader. Jesus Himself said "I am the light of the world, whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." You’ll find that in the Gospel of John chapter 8 verse 12.
Next, a disciple is one who learns lovingly, having found the perfect teacher. And the last characteristic of a disciple is one who imitates intensely, having seen in the Lord Jesus Christ the ideal example because He lived the only perfect life the world has ever seen. His was the only life which was well pleasing to God.
In the Gospel of John chapter 8 verses 31 and 32, the Lord Jesus said to the Jews who had believed on Him: "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free". What a lovely, encouraging promise this is from the Master Himself. It’s just as true and as important for us who follow him today as it was then. We must note, however, that like many promises in the Bible, this one is conditional. He said "If you hold to my teaching". In other words: You must - hear it, apply it, and live it out in your lives. Then you will be seen to be my disciples.
As we study the principles of discipleship, you will learn many practical lessons for your life as a Christian. Lessons to help you as you witness and work for our Master. Followers of Jesus were never promised an easy time. The Lord Himself trod a difficult pathway as He always sought to do the will of His Father Who had sent Him.
There are two more important things to learn about Christian discipleship. The first is THE CHALLENGE OF DISCIPLESHIP. Jesus Himself said, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 16 verse 24: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me".
The second important thing we learn about Christian discipleship is THE COMMITMENT AND COST that it calls for. In the Gospel of Luke chapter 18 verse 22 it tells us what Jesus said to a young ruler who came to Him enquiring as to how he could obtain eternal life. The Lord said to him: "Sell everything you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, then come follow me". That young man counted the cost involved and was not willing to pay it. He decided not to become a disciple and he went away sad. Someone once said: "To BECOME a Christian will cost YOU nothing, because the Saviour paid the full price of our salvation by the shedding of His precious blood on the cross of Calvary. BUT, for you TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE will cost you everything."
However, as well as the Challenge, Commitment and Cost of being a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, there are many compensations. For the true disciple there is the experience of his presence as we follow him closely. There is the satisfaction and joy of seeking to bring glory to his name as we live for him, and there is the blessing that comes from knowing that we serve the Lord Christ.