What is it? What is a disciple? As a Christian, most can recite the great commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” But what does it mean to make disciples? What exactly is a disciple? A disciple is one who is an apprentice of a master, learning their ways, and eventually passing it on to another disciple.
But that doesn't fully give us a picture of what is it they are or what it is they do. For this definition it may be easier to look at the characteristics of a disciple for further explanation.
Here are a couple that Jay Blackburn and I have put together with Matthew 4:19 as a starting point:
“Follow me, and I will make, you fishers of men.”
“Follow Me”
- Believes in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and is baptized (immersed) into new life in Christ.
- Loves the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.
- Seeks the Kingdom first.
“I will Make”
- Practices Prayer, a person who regularly spends time with the Father.
- Studies scripture for transformation not just information.
- Lives life in community with other believers.
- Carries out the great commission.
“You fishers of Men”
- Looks for and has the heart to address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in others, via the Holy Spirit. (Has compassion for the hurting.)
- Shares the “good news” regularly (the gospel: that Jesus came and died that we might live).
- Helps others to become maturing disciples.
- Find men and women of peace.
What characteristics would you add? How have you seen these evidenced in your life? Looking at this list are there areas that are "gaps" in your discipleship?
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