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The Meaning of ‘Disciple’
The master-disciple relationship is a practice seen in the Bible. Moses had Joshua; Elijah had Elisha. In the New Testament, John the Baptiser had his own disciples (John 1:35-37). Attaching oneself to a religious teacher or rabbi was an accepted practice. What distinguished Jesus and His disciples from the others was the nature of relationship and the teaching He gave. Jesus defined ‘disciple’ with qualities that marked them out distinctively.
The word ‘disciple’ comes from the Greek mathētēs, which means ‘a learner’. Translated to Latin, mathētēs becomes ‘discipulus’ from which we get ‘disciple’. The disciple is one who follows a master or teacher.
What should be the ultimate goal of the disciple? (Luke 6:40)
Following Jesus is more than just believing truths about Jesus. What does it also include? (1 Corinthians 11:1)
What should a disciple emulate about Jesus? (1 John 2:6)
As disciples follow Jesus, what does Jesus give them? (Matthew 11:28)
How will the disciple acquire the blessedness of rest from Jesus? (Matthew 11:29)
When unjustly treated, what should the disciple recognise? (1 Peter 2:20-21)
Become Like Jesus
When we follow Jesus, we are to become like Him. The following verses will help you to have a better grasp of this topic.
What is Jesus’ standard of moral purity? (Matthew 5:48)
In Ephesians 5:1-2, what are Christians called to do?
What primary quality are we called to demonstrate?
In 1 John 3:2-3, what happens to God’s children:
When Jesus returns?
How does this hope help God’s children?
In Galatians 4:19, why was Paul willing to suffer in his ministry to the Galatian Christians?
2 Corinthians 3:18 is a very rich source of truths about the Christian’s destiny.
What are Christians being changed into?
How are Christians being transformed?
Are we being changed instantly? Compare your answer with the earlier question on 1 John 3:2. Can you harmonise them?
Who is doing the transformation of our character?
What is the means from which we can contemplate the Lord’s glory to be able to reflect Him?
* The Greek word ‘katoptrizomenoi’ in this verse is associated with looking at a mirror. Hence it can be translated as ‘reflecting’, ‘contemplating’ or ‘beholding’.
In Romans 8:29, what is God’s ultimate plan for every Christian to be like?
Tick the correct statements based on Romans 8:28.
In Philippians 2:5-8, in what character, attitude and ways can Christians emulate Christ?
From John 13:12-17, how can Christians follow Christ’s example and attitude in service?
What might be some culturally appropriate ways of applying what Jesus did?
In Ephesians 4:22-24, what are we to do to manifest the God-like image in our new self?
“What is God’s purpose for His people?... So I want to share with you where my mind has come to rest as I approach the end of my pilgrimage on earth, and it is — God wants His people to become like Christ. Christlikeness is the will of God for the people of God.”
—John Stott, “The Model: Becoming More like Christ”
https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/the-model-becoming-more-like-christ/
Marks of a Disciple
Jesus described disciples who follow Him as having the following marks. What are they?
Luke 9:23
Luke 14:26-27
Luke 14:33
John 8:31-32
John 13:34-35
John 15:8
Are the mentioned six marks optional?
Which of them is most needed in your life as a disciple of Christ?
Application
Review the material in this chapter, asking this question as you do so: “How do I become more like Jesus?”
Write down one or two specific things you can do to manifest Jesus in your life.