Scripture uses a number of terms to refer to those who are Christians. For instance, everyone who is a true Christian is also a saint (1 Cor. 1:2), priest (1 Pet. 2:5), and citizen of Christ’s kingdom (Eph. 2:19). Each of these terms helps us better understand responsibilities and privileges associated with being a Christian.
The same can be said for what is perhaps the most basic of terms Scripture assigns to the Christian: disciple of Christ (Acts 11:26).
The core meaning of the word translated disciple is “pupil” or “learner” (see Strong G3101 & Thayer). One who is a true disciple of Jesus first and foremost learns from Him.
Notice Luke 11:1: When He finished praying in a certain place, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” This is a simple but telling example of discipleship. Those who are Jesus’ disciples have an eager desire to learn about Him and His teachings. They continuously “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” as all Christians are commanded to do (2 Pet. 3:18). Such growth is motivated by a strong spiritual appetite (Matt. 5:6; 1 Pet. 2:2).
Those who have the interest in Jesus that is demanded of discipleship need not fear an inability to learn from Him. As the hymn Hark, the Gentle Voice says, “He will teach if you will learn.” In other words, Jesus has left us with all that we need to learn from Him: His written Word. We need only study Scripture with diligence and the heart Jesus is looking for (Luke 8:15), and we will continuously learn from Him.
While learning from Christ is crucial, discipleship involves more than this. In John 8:31, Jesus said, “If ye abide in my Word, then are ye truly my disciples.” Abiding in His Word involves not only learning His teachings, but also submitting to them.
By abiding in His Word, the faithful disciple becomes continuously more like Him (Luke 6:40). For instance, the faithful disciple of Christ will develop an attitude of humble servitude, as Jesus exemplified (John 13:13-15). The faithful disciple is forgiving, like the Master (Col. 3:13), and faithfully does what is right through trials, like Jesus exemplified (1 Pet. 2:21-23). Following Christ’s leads also involves following Him into persecutions that inevitably result when one chooses to do what is right. Just as the Teacher faced mistreatment, His disciples should expect the same (Matt. 10:24-25).
While persecutions are inevitable for those who follow Christ, the faithful disciple is willing to accept whatever hardships result from this choice.
Jesus taught this principle in Luke 9. He warned about the sufferings He would soon face because He was choosing the Father’s will above personal comfort (verse 22). He then “said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
Just as Jesus denied Himself and accepted hardships to submit to the Father, those who are following Him do the same. Notice that self-denial is not just done one time, but “daily” (i.e., continuously). Jesus demands that we be willing to deny ourselves of anything that stands between us and Him. If we are not this loyal to Him, we cannot be His disciple (Luke 14:26, 27, 33).
While becoming a disciple of Jesus happens at once, these passages demonstrate that being Christ’s disciple is a lifestyle of commitment. The perfect Teacher has done His part. It is up to each of us to learn from Him, devote ourselves fully to His teachings, and loyally serve Him. This is the lifestyle of the true disciple of Christ.
– Michael Hickox