To become like Jesus, and to carry out His commands
What is a Disciple?
Who can be a Disciple?
How can I become a Disciple?
What is a Disciple?
According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, (Third College Edition) a disciple is:
1. A pupil or follower of any teacher or school of religion, art, etc.
2. An early follower of Jesus, esp. one of the Apostles.
3. A member of the disciple’s of Christ.
When we hear the word disciple, we tend to think of the twelve who followed Jesus. But, the Pharisee’s had disciples; even John the Baptist had Disciples.
Read Luke 25-37. The parable of the good Samaritan.
This is a parable Jesus told to be an example of how we are to act, selfless towards others; even to those who are our enemies. Jesus showed His love for us, even in His attitude during His crucifixion. The very act, was for undeserving man. His words “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” (Luke ) is an example of His love for us.
A disciple is one who studies and learns the way of the master (or teacher).
Who can be a Disciple?
Matthew 4:18-22 (KJV)
18) And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19) And He saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20) And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him. 21) And going on from thence, He saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets: and He called them. 22) And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him.
Luke 5:27-28
27) And after these things He went forth, and saw a Publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and He said unto him, Follow me. 28) And he left all, rose up, and followed Him.
While Jesus called many disciples, He chose twelve to be in His inner circle. Simon (called Peter/Rock), James and John, were in an even closer inner circle. They were with Him at times when the others were not; such as on the Mount of Transfiguration and in the heart of the Garden of Gethsemane
They were not perfect, but they were willing to follow Him, despite great ridicule and persecution. These men were weak and sinful; there was nothing special about them other than they were willing to follow Jesus.
What are some reasons you feel inadequate to be a disciple?
Read Luke 22: 24-30 Who is great?
This is an example of what a disciple should not be.
Do you ever let self importance, greed, lust, or other cares of the world stop you from being Christ-like?
After all the time these men had spent with Jesus, they were still flawed. Their sin nature was still present. But Jesus knew what they would become. He knows what we can become as well.
How can I become a Disciple?
John (KJV)
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it you.
Luke 10:1-3 (KJV)
1)After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come. 2) Therefore said He unto them, the harvest is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest. 3) Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
See Luke 10: 17-24 for their return and results of their mission.
Matthew 28:18-20
18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Are you willing to learn from the Master and be His disciple?
Are you willing to carry out His Commission to reach others?
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