Our Theme for 2010 is Go… Make Disciples…
yet what is a disciple and how do you know if you have made
one? It would seem everyone you ask has a different
definition for this term. How would you define the term
"disciple"? Many would simply go to the dictionary and read
the definition given. Webster's New World College Dictionary
Copyright © 2009 defines the term as "a pupil or follower of
any teacher or school of religion, learning, art, etc, an
early follower of Jesus, esp. one of the Apostles, a member
of the Disciples of Christ". It is interesting to see how
the definition has changed over the years when one looks
back at Webster’s original1828 edition of Webster's American
Dictionary of the English Language. He defined the term as
"a learner; a scholar; one who receives or professes to
receive instruction from another; as the disciples of Plato,
a follower; an adherent to the doctrines of another. Hence
the constant attendants of Christ were called his disciples;
and hence all Christians are called his disciples, as they
profess to learn and receive his doctrines and precepts; to
teach, to train, or bring up; to make disciples of; to
convert to doctrines or principles. This authority he
employed in sending missionaries to disciple all nations."
We can see that these are true but do they define the term
according to the Bible. In some ways they do by revealing
that a disciple is a follower of one’s doctrines and
principles. I like Webster’s original definition when he
states they are an adherent which denotes more than just a
follower. If we only looked at today’s definition we will
miss its true meaning. The true disciple should be more than
just an assimilator of one’s teachings. Often the term is
defined as a follower. If we only define the term as a
follower we are left wondering how to define the term
follow. In other words, if I just walk behind someone and
never get involved or speak does that make me a true
disciple? Case in point, in Matthew’s Gospel chapter ten
Jesus called unto him his twelve disciples and gave them
power against unclean spirits, to cast them out and to heal
all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (Matthew
10:1) In the listing of names in the verses to follow Judas
Iscariot is included. One could ask was Judas a true
disciple? In one sense of the word he was, but in another he
never was. Judas by his actions was never totally committed
to the teachings of Christ. He never fully followed Christ
because of his own agenda. Judas may have called Jesus,
Lord, but he was more concerned about his own personal
interest than that of Christ. Jesus spoke about this in
Matthew 7:22-23 when He said "Many will say to me in that
day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in
thy name cast out devils and in thy name done many wonderful
works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:
depart from me, ye that work iniquity." This passage clearly
shows those who have confessed Christ as Lord and never
fully committed their lives to Him will not be allowed into
heaven.
It would seem in order to understand what
a true disciple is, we must biblically define a follower. A
few of the marks of a follower of Jesus are:
1. Followers of Jesus deny themselves and
take up the cross and follow Him. (Luke 9:23)
2. Followers of Jesus are willing to give
up everything to follow Him. (Matt 19:21)
3. Followers of Jesus are fishers of men.
(Matt 4:19)
4. Followers of Jesus hear His voice and
obey. (John 10:27)
5. Followers of Jesus never look back.
(Luke 9:61-62)
6. Followers of Jesus walk in the Light
(John 8:12)
7. Followers of Jesus are servants of
Him. (John 12:26)
Are you a follower of the Way?
(Acts 9:1-2) Tells us we are to "
