What is a Disciple?

And if we answer the call to discipleship, where will it lead us? What decisions and partings will it demand? To answer these questions, we shall have to go to him, for only he knows the answer. Only Jesus Christ, who bids us follow him, knows the journey’s end. But we do know that it will be a road of boundless mercy. Discipleship means joy.

—Dietrich Bonheoffer

The Cost of Discipleship

The ESV Study Bible states the ultimate purpose and theme of Mark is to present and defend Jesus’ universal call to discipleship. Ever since I read that statement several weeks ago in preparation for our study of the book of Mark, I have been thinking about the word disciple—what is means, its implications. It’s a word that falls into a category I refer to as Christian lingo. Words we like to throw around but don’t fully understand.

The word disciple or disciples is only used in two passages in the Old Testament: Isaiah 8:16 and Isaiah 50:4. The Hebrew word used here is limmuwd, and it is defined as follows:

1) taught, learned, discipled

a) taught

b) accustomed to (something)

In Mark, the first use of the word is in chapter two verse fifteen, and it is used many times thereafter. The Greek word used here is mathetes, which means a learner, pupil, disciple; one who follows one’s teaching. Mathetes is from the root word manthano:

1) to learn, be apprised

a) to increase one’s knowledge, to be increased in knowledge

b) to hear, be informed

c) to learn by use and practice

1) to be in the habit of, accustomed to

Based on these definitions, the first idea inherent in the word is that a disciple is someone who learns or is learning from someone else that is doing the teaching. As Christians, we are disciples of Jesus, and we are being taught by Him. Like any student, the amount we are learning is dependent on our cooperation: Are we attending class, reading our textbook, paying close attention, taking notes? Are we applying what we’ve learned?

This leads to the second idea that is common to both the Hewbrew and Greek definitions. Disciples are accustomed to something. Accustomed is defined as follows:

1. customary; usual, habitual: in their accustomed manner

2. habituated; acclimated (usually followed by to): accustomed to staying up late; accustomed to the noise of the subway

What are disciples of Jesus accustomed to? What habits distinguish us from those who are not disciples? I think these are the habits that identify us as students and followers of Christ. Therefore, we must ask ourselves the following questions:

1) Do my habits identify me as a student and follower of Jesus?

2) Am I taking advantage of every opportunity to be taught that is made available to me?

3) Am I studying and learning on my own with the resources I have?

4) Can I see changes in my life as a result of the things I am learning?

Prayerfully consider these questions this week asking God to show you the truth about yourself, enabling you to grow as a follower of Jesus.

More on disciple and discipleship is to come.