A disciple is defined as:
- A learner, pupil (Strong’s)
- A follower and student of a mentor, teacher, or other wise figure (Wikipedia)
- A Believer that continues in Jesus’s Word. (John 8:31)
Then said Jesus to those Jews that believed on Him, “If you continue in My Word, then you are truly My disciples.”
- Jesus indicated that not all could become His disciples:
No man can comes unto Me unless he is called by My Father. John 6:65
- True disciples can be recognized:
All men will know that you are My disciples if you have love one for the other. John 13:35
- Those called to be His disciple must:
Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, and you shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:29-30
- The call to discipleship is immediate:
And another of His disciples said unto Jesus, “Lord, allow me to first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said unto him, “Follow Me and let the dead bury their dead.” Matthew 8:21-22
- Disciples of Jesus don’t follow the traditions of men:
The Pharisees and scribes asked Him: “Why don’t your disciples walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?” Mark 7:5
He answered:
They who teach the commandments of men for doctrine and they who follow the doctrine of man worship Me in vain. Mark 7:7
- Disciples aren’t perfect, can fall from grace and lose their discipleship.
Then said the damsel that kept the door to Peter, “Aren’t you one of this man’s disciples?” He said, “I am not.” John 18:17
Having denied Jesus the third time, Peter lost his discipleship. This is made evident by the Angel’s statement to Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome:
Go your way, tell Jesus’s disciples AND Peter that He goes before you into Galilee. Mark 16:7
- By God’s mercy discipleship can be regained through repentance:
Jesus said unto him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?” And Peter answered Him, “You know that I love you.” Then Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep and Follow Me.” John 21:17,19
- Paul teaches that true disciples of Jesus are not allowed to associate with hypocrites:
I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer who is sexually immoral, or greedy, an idolater or verbally abusive, a drunkard, or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. 1 Corinthians 5:11
- Jesus cautions us to weigh the cost:
Which of you, intending to build a tower doesn’t first sit down and count the cost to see if he has enough to finish it? Luke 14:28
For:
No man, having put his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62
- Requirements to become a disciple of Jesus:
If anyone comes to Me and doesn’t love me more than his father and mother and his wife and children and his brothers and sisters, even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.
Whoever does not wish to bear exposure to death, or self denial cannot be My disciple.
One who does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:26-27,33
- In addition to the requirements to become a disciple, there is a requirement to continue as a disciple:
Then said Jesus to those Jews that believed on Him, “If you continue in My Word, then you are truly My disciples.” John 8:31
Paul taught the disciples in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch that we must suffer through much tribulation to enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:2
- Being a true disciple of Jesus is not easy.
Many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14
- The reward is great:
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works. Matthew 16:27
You shall receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:24
Behold, I come quickly and My reward is with Me to repay every man for what he has done. Revelation 22:12