What is a Disciple?
You’ve heard the stories of Jesus. Something tells you that God does love you. You want to believe that Jesus died for your sins. You want to be forgiven. You want to be “saved” – to become a Christian.
But, you have questions.
You hear the word “disciple” being tossed around. It seems the terms “Christian” and “Disciple” are both used as descriptions of people who believe in Jesus.
“Christian”, you understand. “Disciple” though, what does it means to be a disciple?
a definition
Well, let’s look at the basic definition of disciple.
Merriam-Webster defines disciple as “one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.”
one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.
It follows then, in the Christian context, a disciple of Jesus is one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of Jesus.
A disciple of Jesus is one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of Jesus.
So, a disciple is one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of Jesus. That sounds a lot different than just becoming a Christian, doesn’t it?
We typically think of a Christian as somebody who simply believes Jesus died on the Cross of Calvary to forgive us of our sins. As a result of their belief, or faith, then they are forgiven and going to heaven when they die. Being Christian is about faith in Jesus. This disciple thing, on the other hand, sounds a lot different.
disciple first
Here’s what is interesting: In the New Testament, people who believed in Jesus and his teachings, both before and after his death, were called disciples. They were identified as disciples well before the word Christian ever was used.
Jesus taught that if any man was to be his disciple that they had to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. (Mark 8:34).
After his resurrection he also said, Go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). That would be, go and make other people who are willing to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus.
Another interesting tidbit is that Jesus never actually used the word Christian. In fact, it was not until many years after the death of Jesus that disciples began to be called Christians.
Acts 11:26
NRSV
So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
So it seems, we were meant to be disciples well before any concept that we have of being Christian.
just a word
Semantics?
Perhaps.
However, words form concepts and ideas in our minds. Words shape our thoughts. How we understand words determine their impact upon our lives. In this case, how we understand the meaning of words impact our faith.
What is a disciple then?
A disciple is one who accepts and assists in the spreading of the doctrines of Jesus. This definition follows closely the teachings of Jesus. Jesus called us to accept what he taught and then to share what he taught with others.
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