The term “disciple” was common in Jesus’ time. It means learner or follower. The term was used for the disciples of John the Baptist, Matthew 9.14; 14.12, and of the Pharisees, Matthew 22.15-16. One might think of the similar term “adherent” as having a generic meaning, defined only by context. (Perhaps this is why the term gave way to “Christian.”)

What distinguished Christ’s disciples?

In a word, the great difference is the price they paid to follow him: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me’” Matthew 16.24. See Luke 14.33.

Consider other marks of a follower of Christ:

(1) The disciple of Christ does not harbor the ambition to become something beyond or above his state of being a follower. The disciples of the rabbis could establish their own schools or become teachers as well. Jesus’ followers “could not hope to achieve any promotion, because they would be disciples for life” (Mercer Dictionary of the Bible, p. 242).

(2) Being a disciple means: I am the one responsible. The disciple does not leave it to others to do God’s will or the work of Christ. He rolls up his sleeves himself. He gets his hands dirty. Read Matthew 14.15-16. “The disciples did as Jesus had instructed them” Matthew 26.19.

(3) It doesn’t matter what others do. I have one commitment to Jesus. I will do what he tells me. My relationship with the Lord will not be affected by others. The disciple does what the Master tells him. Period. I have duties and tasks, such as the duty of love: “Do not owe anyone anything. Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law” Romans 13.8. This rule demonstrates the unique commitment of the follower of Christ: He loves regardless of reactions or reciprocity.

Tomorrow, we’ll mention three more marks of a follower of Christ.

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J. Randal Matheny

Randal and his wife Vicki have lived and worked in Brazil since 1984. He is one of God's little ones. He seeks to speak the truth simply and lovingly. Comments at this link.

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