A disciple is a learner and follower of Jesus — one who follows him, obeys his teaching, and becomes like him. Jesus calls disciples to deny themselves and take up their cross (Luke 9:23) and to make other disciples (Matthew 28:19).
A follower and learner
The word disciple means learner or apprentice. A disciple of Jesus follows him, learns from him, and is being shaped into his likeness. It's not merely believing facts about Jesus but ordering one's whole life around him.
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.
Marked by love and fruit
Jesus said his disciples would be known by their love for one another and by bearing lasting fruit. And discipleship reproduces itself: disciples are called to make disciples, teaching others to follow Jesus too.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.
Quick answers
- Is every Christian a disciple?
- In the New Testament, the terms overlap — to be a Christian is to be a follower of Jesus. Discipleship stresses the ongoing, costly commitment to follow and become like him.
- What does discipleship cost?
- Jesus spoke of denying self, taking up the cross, and putting him first above all. It costs everything in principle — yet what we gain in Christ far outweighs it.
- How do I grow as a disciple?
- By following Jesus daily — through his word, prayer, obedience, community, and helping others follow him too. Discipleship is a lifelong apprenticeship to Christ.
