What Does it Mean to be a Disciple?
The concept of discipleship lies at the very heart of the Christian faith. While the term “Christian” appears only three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16), the word “disciple” appears over 250 times, primarily in the Gospels and Acts. This frequency underscores the centrality of discipleship in the life and mission of Jesus. To be a disciple is not merely to believe in Jesus intellectually, but to follow him relationally, obediently, and sacrificially. This article explores what it means to be a disciple, how one becomes a disciple, and what characterizes a true disciple of Jesus.
The Biblical Foundation of Discipleship
The Old Testament, though it does not use the term “disciple” in the same way as the New Testament, lays the groundwork for the concept. The Hebrew Scriptures emphasize learning from God, walking in his ways, and obeying his commandments. For example, Deuteronomy 6:5-7 declares: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…”
This passage reflects the essence of discipleship: loving God wholeheartedly, internalizing his word, and passing it on to others. The prophets also called Israel to return to God, not just in ritual, but in relationship and obedience (Micah 6:8; Isaiah 1:17).
In the New Testament, Jesus calls his disciples not simply to believe in him, but to follow him. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus says to Peter and Andrew: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
This invitation is both relational and missional. To follow Jesus is to enter into a relationship of trust and obedience, and to be transformed into someone who leads others to him.
What it Means to Become a Disciple
To become a disciple is to respond to Jesus’ call with faith and surrender. It is not merely a decision to adopt a new set of beliefs, but a commitment to a new way of life. Jesus makes this clear in Luke 9:23: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Becoming a disciple involves repentance (Mark 1:15), faith (John 3:16), and a willingness to submit to Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9). It is a turning away from self-centered living and a turning toward Christ-centered living. This transformation is not optional for the believer; it is the very essence of what it means to be saved. As Jesus said in John 8:31: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.”
Thus, becoming a disciple is not a secondary step after conversion–it is the very definition of conversion.
What Makes Someone a Disciple
A disciple is someone who learns from Jesus, lives like Jesus, and leads others to Jesus. The Greek word mathetes means “learner” or “student,” but in the context of the Gospels, it refers to someone who attaches themselves to a teacher in order to become like them. Jesus himself said in Luke 6:40: “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”
Therefore, what makes someone a disciple is not merely knowledge of Jesus’ teachings, but a life that increasingly reflects his character and mission. This includes obedience to his commands (John 14:15), love for others (John 13:35), and a commitment to making more disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
Three Characteristics of a Disciple
While Scripture presents many traits of a disciple, three foundational characteristics emerge repeatedly:
Obedience to Jesus’ Word
True disciples do not merely admire Jesus–they obey him. In John 14:23, Jesus says: “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
Obedience is not legalism; it is the natural outflow of love and trust in Jesus.
Love for One Another
Jesus identified love as the distinguishing mark of his followers: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
This love is not sentimental but sacrificial, modeled after Jesus’ own love for us (John 15:12-13).
Fruitfulness in Life and Mission
A disciple’s life will bear spiritual fruit–both in character and in influence. Jesus said: “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:8)
This fruit includes the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and the multiplication of disciples through evangelism and teaching.
Five Qualities of a Disciple
Building on these core characteristics, we can identify five qualities that further define a mature disciple of Jesus:
Faithfulness
A disciple remains steadfast in faith, even in trials. Hebrews 10:23 exhorts: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
Faithfulness is not perfection, but perseverance.
Humility
Jesus modeled humility in washing his disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15) and in going to the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). A disciple must walk in humility, recognizing their dependence on God.
Teachability
A disciple is always learning and growing. Proverbs 9:9 says: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.”
Teachability reflects a heart that is open to correction and eager to grow in truth.
Sacrifice
Discipleship involves cost. Jesus warned in Luke 14:27: “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
This may involve giving up comfort, reputation, or even relationships for the sake of Christ.
Mission-mindedness
A true disciple lives with a sense of purpose to Jesus Christ’s Great Commission–to glorify God and make him known. Jesus’ final command was: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)
Disciples are not consumers of religious goods but ambassadors of the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:20).
How to Be a True Disciple of Jesus
To be a true disciple of Jesus is to live in a dynamic relationship with him, shaped by his word, empowered by his Spirit, and directed by his mission. This involves several ongoing commitments:
Abiding in Christ
Jesus said in John 15:4: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”
Abiding means staying connected to Jesus through prayer, Scripture, worship, and obedience. It is the source of spiritual life and fruitfulness.
Living in Community
Discipleship is not a solo journey. The early church devoted themselves to fellowship, teaching, and prayer (Acts 2:42). Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to encourage one another and not neglect meeting together.
Practicing Spiritual Disciplines
Prayer, Bible study, fasting, and service are means by which disciples grow in grace. Paul exhorted Timothy: “Train yourself for godliness.” (1 Timothy 4:7)
These disciplines are not ends in themselves but tools for transformation.
Engaging in Mission
A true disciple shares the gospel and helps others grow in Christ. Paul told Timothy: “What you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)
Discipleship is reproductive by nature.
Conclusion
To be a disciple of Jesus is to be a follower, a learner, and a reproducer. It is a call to die to self, live in Christ, and lead others to do the same. This calling is not reserved for a spiritual elite–it is the normal Christian life. It is not enough to claim the name of Christ; we must walk in his Way (1 John 2:6).
In a world of shallow belief and cultural Christianity, Jesus still calls, “Follow me.” The question is not whether we admire him, but whether we will follow him–wherever he leads.