This week’s question is foundational to our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. One would think such a simple question would result in a simple answer, and it should.
The simple answer to our question this week is: Anyone who puts his or her faith in Jesus Christ as personal Savior, is a disciple.
I can hear the objections now, because I have heard them before. Some will claim that only the 12 who left everything and followed Jesus are disciples. Others will say that only vocational Christian workers like pastors and missionaries are disciples. Still others will claim that one can be a believer in Jesus but not necessarily be a disciple.
Our best approach will be to trace briefly the use of the term disciple in the Gospels and Acts and let the Word of God be the final word in our definition.
In the New Testament the term disciple is used of one who follows a leader or teacher. There are disciples of Moses (John 9:28); disciples of John the Baptist (Mark 9:14); and even disciples of the Pharisees (Matthew 22:15-16). It is also interesting to note that at the end of John 6 after Jesus has spoken some very hard words to the crowds that “many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” (John 6:66).
A disciple is one who follows the teaching of Jesus.
Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19 is to “make disciples.” Simply put we are to make followers of Jesus. One will only follow another if they believe in that person.
Our understanding of what it means to be a disciple is enhanced in the book of Acts. After the meteoric growth of believers in Acts 2 and 4 we find a problem in Acts 6. There was inequity in food distribution. Mature, godly men were chosen to manage this problem and after it was solved we discover that “the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly” (Acts 6:7). It seems clear that Luke is talking about new believers.
The Christian life is a journey that begins with a single step of belief in the fact that Jesus Christ has paid for my sins on the cross, and is the only means to eternal life. By taking that step of belief, I begin a life long process of following Jesus.
It is that simple and yet profound act of faith that initially makes a person a disciple.
Today’s Tip
Reflect and even write out a brief timeline of your life. This does not have to be long and involved, but it can be simply a few highlights. Specifically, think about when you realized that you had put your faith and trust for your life in Jesus Christ.
For some this will be a moment in time when you made a decision. For others it will be the result of a process in the journey of life until you realized you had turned from unbelief to belief. No matter what your story, it is good to look at when you discovered that personal faith in Jesus Christ was what you were looking for.
Then ask yourself this question: Since I began following Jesus, what has changed in my life?
Today’s tip: Review Your Personal Journey with Jesus
Consider sharing your timeline with your traveling partner on this Journey of Faith.
Next week we will explore the question:
What does it mean to follow Jesus?
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