What is a Disciple?

We are all called to be disciples of Jesus (Matt 28:16-20). So what is a disciple?

Talmid (Talmidim pl.) is the Hebrew word for disciple. The talmid willingly left home, family, and occupation to be with the rabbi because he wanted more than anything else in the world to be like the rabbi (teacher) in his walk with God. As the rabbi lived and taught his understanding of the Scripture, his talmid listened to him, watched him, followed him, memorized his words, and imitated his walk with God. Eventually the talmid became a teacher who had his own disciples who wanted to learn from him how to walk with God. – Ray Vander Laan, In the Dust of the Rabbi. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006), 17.

I would define a Christian disciple as one who is becoming more like Jesus every day by following and learning from Him (Rom 8:29). I believe the best discipleship is truly living in community with someone (Hebrews 10:25). Have you ever noticed that an older couple who have lived together for a long time begin to look alike and act alike? They have the same mannerisms because they have been together for so long they naturally picked up each other’s habits. I think this is why it works best in community.

Some other elements that make up discipleship for us today are Bible study (Ps 119:11), prayer (Matt 21:22) and transparent accountability (2 Cor 1:12). In Jesus' day the disciples would have known a good portion of Scripture (OT) just from their childhood training and would begin to understand how Jesus interpreted it by listening to His lessons and watching his actions. Today we learn about Jesus’ teachings through Scripture (NT). It can help for us to watch other Christians and how they interpret Scripture - as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:16, "Imitate me!" Paul was teaching by example.

I believe as we connect with authentic believers and live our lives together we can grow spiritually together - “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17)" - of course it can come with some conflicts and a little bit of pain, but it will make us stronger in our faith!

Jesus said: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35).”

Are you involved in a community of believers that help you to become more like Jesus every day?