A disciple of Jesus is someone who follows Jesus Christ, learns from His teachings, and strives to live according to His example and instructions. Here are key aspects of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus:
Discplies Follow
A disciple actively follows Jesus, committing to His teachings and ways.
Matthew 4:19-20: Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
Luke 9:23: “And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’”
Discplies Learn
The term “disciple” comes from the Latin word “discipulus,” meaning “learner.” Disciples study Jesus’ life and teachings to understand and apply them.
Matthew 11:29: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
John 8:31-32: “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”
Discplies Obey
Disciples strive to obey Jesus’ commands, aiming to live a life that reflects His values and principles.
John 14:15: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
John 15:14: “You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
Discplies are Transformed
Discipleship involves personal transformation, where one’s character and actions increasingly align with the teachings of Jesus.
Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Discplies have a Mission
Disciples are called to spread the teachings of Jesus, often referred to as the Great Commission, which involves making more disciples and teaching them to observe everything Jesus commanded.
Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Discplies have a Community
Being a disciple often involves being part of a community of believers who support and encourage each other in their faith journey.
Acts 2:42: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
In summary, a disciple of Jesus is dedicated to following Him, learning from His teachings, living in obedience to His commands, experiencing personal transformation, participating in His mission, and being part of a community of believers.