Disciple
Christian. If I were to go downtown Portland and ask a few folks how THEY would define “Christian” I would get as many different responses as those I asked. Did you know Christian is NOT defined in the New Testament, and it is only mentioned 3 times (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). It was those outside the Jesus community that gave the name or label “Christian” to the Jesus followers. These followers did not refer to themselves in this way. The nickname was motivated by sarcasm and mockery, much like our “Jesus Freak” today. Remember, these Greek-speaking Romans citizens were not looking for the Messiah (Christ) and found these “Followers of the Way” quite odd, and thinking, they associate with this “Christ”—so they must be “Christ-ians”
If I were to ask a Jesus follower of Peter’s day, of the early church, how they would define their life, they would answer in a very convicting, a very pointed way, “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.” Disciple is not a word commonly used these days, due primarily to the whole “I am my own person, and no one tells me what to do” mentality. A disciple is a learner, follower, an apprentice; it is someone who seeks to know and gives full life attention to their Rabbi (Teacher/Mentor). Within the Jewish culture in Jesus’ day, (and some aspects continue today) there was a whole process of life discipleship.
Hang with me, God has something for us.
Discipleship (in general) was designed in such a way that the student (or disciple-wanna-be) would seek out the Rabbi (Teacher) and make a formal request to be their disciple. If the Rabbi agreed to the request, (finding them worthy: within family, status and education) allowing them to become his disciple, they were now chosen (hold on to that word). The disciple was then required (not optional) to totally submit to the Rabbi’s authority in all areas of his life. The Rabbi’s teaching was therefore binding, everything the disciple did or how he viewed things were all filtered through the Rabbi. There was no curriculum or agenda, it was a continual daily relationalliving experience—that took YEARS in the making.
The Rabbi would ask questions of the disciple as he closely observed him. ANY life experience was open for an opportunity for the Rabbi to speak truth into the disciple. The Rabbi was persistent in his questioning, “Why did you do that?” In context of what the disciple did, what he said, what was the motive? The emphasis was always on forming Godly behavior responses, not just the imparting of wisdom. The Rabbi was concentrating on developing discernment in the mind of the disciple, instructing him how to process in the best manner of honoring his God.
The disciple would initiate a discussion by asking questions. BUT (here’s the KEY) the mindset, and the heart condition of the disciple as he asked questions was this, “Before you answer, before you tell me what to do, or point me in any direction, my answer is ‘Yes.’” The response of a disciple is Yes! It was a radical life of submission.
THEN. Jesus comes on the scene, turning the Rabbi/disciple connection upside down. There was no time for discipleship applications to be submitted in triplicate form. The traditional format: Disciple sought out the Rabbi, now Jesus sought out the disciple. Jesus, The Rabbi, called out not the well-educated or those of high status. To fishermen He said, “Follow Me.” These two words were discipleship terminology. They were CHOSEN. Could this be folded into the context of why Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit” (John 15:16). What a most wonderful reality.
Jesus spent intense training time with His disciples. His last night with the disciples He says: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35, NIV, emphasis mine). If we want to know what Jesus meant by what He said—watch what He did. He LOVED! His love is filled with acceptance, forgiveness, restoration, mercy, grace (on and on). Following Jesus does not mean following His followers (although helpful, Godly influence is vital—again, vital) but we are to follow HIM. I don’t think the “WWJD” from years past is too far off, it really is “What would Jesus do.”
Friends, WE are chosen, WE are deemed worthy! WE are His. This Christian walk is a walk of discipleship. It is a continual daily “Yes” to our Rabbi, through relationalliving experience—that takes YEARS in the making. The Holy Spirit concentrates on developing discernment in OUR mind, instructing us how to processin the best manner of honoring God. For our growth and His glory.
May we give full life attention to Jesus.
Disciple.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
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Resources: Andy Stanley’s sermon “Christian”; Christianity Today; “First-Century Disciple” (Article: Bible.org 2007 written by Doug Greenwold); The Complete Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament; Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words; Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon; Expository Dictionary of Bible Words; Strong’s Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. Bible Translations referenced: NIV, NASB, Interlinear, ESV, NLT, KJV, NKJV, NET. (And any other place I stopped and passionately read about this and forgot to document).
Inspired Fountain 