What Is a Disciple?

Just what does it mean to be a disciple? The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. So, if we are about the business of making disciples, we need to understand what it means to be one. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? In searching the scriptures, I have found a few definitive statements about what it means to be a disciple. I will share them here.

Disciples Immerse Themselves in the Scriptures
Jesus said that “if we abide in his word, we are truly his disciples” (John 8:31). The starting point of being a disciple is learning from our Master and Teacher. The first disciples followed Jesus wherever he went, listening to the teaching he offered to the masses and to the private teaching he offered them. Jesus interpreted the Torah for them and provided instruction on prayer and daily living. We avail ourselves in that same teaching in studying the Bible individually and in groups. To live as Jesus teaches requires that we know that teaching.

Disciples Live Fruitful Lives
Jesus said that “by this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8). The witness disciples offer in their lives is vital. Jesus said, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Fruitful lives are not only defined by the good we do, but also by the fruit of the Spirit others witness in our lives. Paul describes this fruit as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Disciples Live Sacrificially
“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’” (Matthew 16:24). Jesus reminds us that he came to serve and not to be served. He powerfully demonstrated this by washing the feet of his disciples. Likewise, he calls us to do the same. Paul wrote, “I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church” (Colossians 1:24). Also, to the Romans he wrote “we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him” (8:16-17).

Disciples Live Generously
“The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea” (Acts 11:29). One reason for the growth of the early Christian community was the incredible generosity the disciples showed in caring for each other. The Holy Spirit enabled these disciples to demonstrate that generosity in the way they opened their hearts and hands to those in need.

Disciples Make Disciples
Before ascending into heaven, Jesus told his disciples to “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” (Matthew 28:19). Being a disciple means we go about the business of making disciples. We teach, we mentor, we guide, we bear witness in our lives and words. We do it faithfully and intentionally.

Disciples are Loving

I saved this one for last because it is the most clearly defining mark of being a disciple of Jesus. Jesus said, “by this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). The scriptures tell us that God is love and we love because God first loved us (read 1 John 4). Paul wrote to the Colossians “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (3:12-14).

So, this is the business we are to be about. Because of the work God has done in us through Jesus Christ, we are able to respond by living lives that are inviting and appealing to others. We can do things that bring praise and glory to our Father in heaven. By the power of the Holy Spirit working through us, we pass this tremendous heritage and life on to others. That is what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace,
Alan