In its essence, a disciple is a “Student.” All are in training under the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ. For the first disciples, this learning took place academically in a wide range of “classrooms,” though rarely in a traditional sense. In a broader way it occurs experientially — observing Jesus in action.
Being a disciple was also a calling to “Sacrifice.” Indeed Jesus’ disciples left everything to follow Jesus (Luke 5:11 and vs.28). It was a part of Jesus’ calling to “anyone who would come after Me” — to lose one’s life (Luke 9:23 and 24). Later, the disciples would place their lives on the line in their work for Christ. Most were martyred for their Lord.
In an inter-related way, a disciple’s life is fully “Savior-centered.” Their lives are fully dedicated to Christ. A definition gives this clarity: “A disciple is a passionate follower who knows Christ…grows in Christ…and, shows Christ in their daily lives.”
A disciple is intimately connected to Christ, and bears fruit in His name (John 15: 5-8). As ...
