Bible Question:
What is a disciple?
Bible Answer:
A disciple is one who is continuing to trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins and who desires to live in obedience to Him. We are commanded to go and make disciples. Some will respond because the Holy Spirit is pulling them and others will refuse because they want to live their own life.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (NASB) Matthew 28:19-20
And when it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. (NASB) Matthew 27:57
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. (NASB) Luke 14:27
And the disciples went and did just as Jesus had directed them. (NASB) Matt 21:6
A disciple can expect trials and difficulties in this life. Jesus has said a true disciple should not be surprised if he or she is treated poorly.
A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. “It is enough for the disciple that he become as his teacher, and the slave as his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! (NASB) Matt 10:24-25
Conclusion:
A Congo citizen once prayed, “Dear Lord, You be the needle and I will be the thread. You go first, and I will follow wherever You may lead.” A disciple is one who follows Jesus Christ. The early believers in Jesus Christ were called Christians (Acts 11:26). The word “Christian” means follower of Christ.
Suggested Links:
What does it mean to be a disciple today?What is discipleship?