What is a Disciple?

“Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).

What is a disciple? The answer can be as simple or complex as we care to make it. The simplest definition of a disciple is a “learner” or “follower.” In antiquity there were many philosophical and religious schools—each led by a teacher with “disciples” in tow. The difference, of course, is that our Lord offers us the gift of relationship and eternal responsibilities and privileges through worship of the One True God.

Consider your own definition of what it means to be a disciple of Christ.

What responses should characterize the lives of Jesus’ disciples based on the following verses?

• John 8:31-32

• John 13:34-35

• John 15:8-10

Write a brief description of a disciple based on your findings of the previous Scriptures.

Discipleship is fundamentally a relational process.

Consider your response to the claim of Jesus on your life and the challenges of discipleship. Decide how you will put your response into action in the following areas:

• Practicing daily prayer

• Participating in weekly worship

• Listening for God’s voice through daily reading of Scripture

• Serving others

• Developing nurturing relationships

• Giving generously

Questions for reflection:

Is our experience of the love and joy of Jesus worth transmitting to others?

Have you ever been in an intentional discipleship relationship in which someone has walked with you over time with the express purpose of helping you become mature in Christ?

What might the impact be on our own lives, our church, and our community if we take the time to invest in someone’s spiritual life?

It does not matter where or how we start. It only matters that we start.

“Disciples cannot be mass produced.” (Leroy Eims)