The Greek word of Disciple is ‘mathetes‘ meaning ‘learner’ or
‘follower’. The word means accepting and following the views and practices of
the teacher. Apart from a large following of people, Jesus chose twelve
disciples during his earthly ministry. The lists are given in Matthew 10:2-4,
Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:13-16 and acts 1:13. The original twelve disciples are
also called the ‘apostles’ (Greek – ‘apostolos‘ meaning ‘one who is
sent out with a special commission as a fully authorized representative of the
sender, like an ambassador’.
Who is the disciple?
- One who is a follower of a master, spiritual teacher, religious leader or a guru.
- One who lives by the teachings and lifestyle of his master.
- One who holds the standard and ideals set by his master.
- One who wants to be like his master.
The Word used for ‘Disciple’ in Greek (‘mathetes’) refers generally to student, pupil, or apprentice
How can one become the disciple of Jesus?
- Decision to follow Jesus Christ is the beginning of a christian discipleship.
- Jesus himself demonstrated clear conditions for being his disciples. Before we focus on the conditions of discipleship, we need to know what it is not!
- Discipleship is
- Not Easy! It is not ‘bed of roses’.
- Not the way of constant success and prosperity!
- Not a use of spare free time.
- Not a going to church on Sunday.
- Not a compromise, it is not a license to do whatever you like!
The cost of true Christian Discipleship?
1. Cross Bearing:
o
Matthew 16:24 – “If anyone would come after me,
he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
o
Matthew 10:38: – “anyone who does not take his
cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
o
Galatians 2:20: – “I have been crucified with
Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
o
The way of Cross is the way of pain, suffering,
ridicule, mockery, humiliation!
o
It is also to crucify our sinful desires. Gal
5:24: – “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with
its passions and desires.”
2. Self Denial:
o
Matthew 16:24: – “If anyone would come after me,
he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
o
Doing his will must be our first priority.
3. Leaving Everything:
o
Luke 14:26: – “If anyone comes to me and does
not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and
sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.”
o
Luke 14:33: – “In the same way, any of you who
does not give up everything he has, cannot be my disciple.”
o
Following Jesus must be our first priority,
above our family, career, comfort, even our own life.
o
We must be willing to forsake anything that can
hinder our walk with Christ.
o
Phil 3:7-9: – “But whatever was to my profit I
now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a
loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for
whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain
Christ and be found in him..”
4. Abiding in His Words & Teaching:
o
John 8:31: – “If you hold to my teaching, you
are really my disciples.”
o
John 15:7: – “If you remain in me and my words
remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.”
o
Regular daily Quiet Time – time alone with God is
necessary to abide in His words. Check out - Quiet
Time – Time Alone with God
5. Supreme Love for Christ:
o
John 14:23: – “If anyone loves me, he will obey
my teaching.”
o
Love for Christ should be the compelling force
for us to follow him. 2 Cor 5:14: – “For Christ’s love compels us.”
6. Love for Others:
o
John 13:34-35: – “A new command I give you: Love
one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men
will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
o
Romans 12:9-10: – “Love must be sincere. Hate
what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly
love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
7. Fruitfulness:
o
John 15:8: -”This is to my Father’s glory, that
you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
o
Gal 5:22: – “But the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness
and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
o
Bearing fruits is a sign of growth and maturity.
God bless you!
