What is a Disciple?

Last week Paul posted, “The Portrait of a Maturing Disciple” in the Discipleship Weekly and has graciously enlisted me to write this week in regards to “what is a disciple?”

In the POAMD (Portrait of a Maturing Disciple) Paul writes, “A disciple is a Christ-follower who is, by the sanctifying power of God’s Spirit, constantly and progressively about the task of bringing every aspect of his or her life into obedience to Christ. Because this process will never be completed in this life, maturing as a disciple is not about arrival but trajectory.” How can I dig deeper into this definition while also being able to explain this to my children? I would like to start with talking about the uniqueness of being a disciple of Christ.

Let me approach this as if I’m having a conversation with my son.

“Dad, what’s a disciple?”

Good question!

Well, “disciple” literally means “learner.” You see, back in biblical times scholars and Pharisees had disciples who followed them around. In fact, these were usually the “best of the best” learners within Judaism and typically men. You see, these young men who showed promise in their “learning” were selected by Scholars and Pharisees (teachers of the law) to “follow them” or to be their “disciples,” to learn their ways. The goal was to learn how to become a Scholar, or Pharisee. Nowadays the closest correlation we see to this is in the trade industry and it is called apprenticeship, or in ministry they are called residencies. But, even our modern “training” pails in to comparison to the whole life “learning” that was understood and exemplified in the 1st century.

“So to be a disciple of Jesus we just need to learn about Him?”

Great question! No, actually. While being a disciple of Jesus is like being a disciple of a Pharisee, it is also completely different.

“Hmm. What is different?”

I’m glad you asked. Let’s look at Matthew 28:18-20 and see if we can discern some differences. You see, after Jesus had died on the cross and risen from the dead he appeared to his “disciples” and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The first big difference is Jesus Himself! The one to whom a “Christian disciple” or “learner” follows. Did you see what Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me (Jesus).” Why? Because Jesus has been victorious! You see, son, there is a present darkness. There are spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. There is a devil who schemes. There are rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers that transcend what we can see. There is an evil one who is sending flaming darts to destroy “disciples” of Jesus. (Ephesians 6:10-20) But, this evil one, has been defeated in Christ. Yes, Jesus was a sacrifice, yes he was a ransom, but He was also victorious! Now, all the authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus! The first big difference of a Christian disciple is Christ. He is a Rabbi like no other. Therefore, his “disciples” are like no other kind of disciple.

That leads to the second big difference about disciples of Jesus. They are a result of Christ’s authority! The risen, victorious Lord, Jesus Christ, who has paid for sin, conquered death, and has all authority, commanded his disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” You know that part in Lord of the Rings, son, where Sarumon the White Wizard doesn’t know that Gandalf is no longer Gandalf the Grey? And Sarumon is talking down to Gandalf, and fearless of Gandalf? Then, Gandalf removes his cloak and reveals that he is now Gandalf the White and Sarumon is filled with fear. He is fearful because Sarumon knows that the “White” wizard is the most powerful, he knows that he has just been surpassed in power and authority. Well, in Christ’s death and resurrection Jesus now has all the power. It is almost as if Christ is saying, “the nations have, knowingly or unknowingly, been disciples (slaves) of the rulers and principalities of this world, but those forces no longer have authority, I do.” No doubt, Satan was celebrating the death of Christ, but can you imagine how he felt when Christ rose from the dead? Now Christ with all His power and authority is going to make new disciples, ones who are no longer under the rulers and principalities of this world and the evil one, but ones who are “in” Him.

Well, time for bed buddy. We will have to pick up here next week. What have you learned?

“Disciple means learner, um, and is like learning other things but way different.”

And what is one of those big differences?

“Jesus is like Gandalf when he turns white and Satan is like Sarumon when he realizes Gandalf has more power and authority.”

Yeah, kinda like that. Remember, the most important part of being a disciple of Jesus is knowing how our discipleship began.

(We will pick up here next week in answering the question, “What is a disciple?”)

Your Servant Brother,

Joey Turner