What is a disciple?

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 "...Go therefore and make disciples ..." (Matt. 28:18-20, NASB)

   In our world today the term "disciple" is used rarely outside of religious conversations. We often use the term "believer" or "Christian", but "disciple" is the term most often used in the New Testament.  A "disciple" is a "pupil or student", or an "apprentice." In essence, a disciple is "a person who becomes like their Master." 
   How do you know if you are a true disciple? This checklist is oversimplified, but it should help you:

   (1) Do you walk with the Master - "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me [Jesus] cannot be My disciple." (Lk. 14:27-28, NASB)   True disciples walk with Jesus every day, not just Sundays.

   (2) Do you work with the Master - "Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness." (Matt. 10:1, NASB)   Real disciples use their talents, gifts, and abilities to work alongside Jesus, not for Him.

   (3) Do you obey the Master - "He who has My[Jesus] commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me..." (Jn. 14:21, NASB)   Obedience is a word that we do not like, but obedience is mandatory.

   (4) Do you know the Master - "My[Jesus] sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me..." (Jn. 10:27, NASB)   Knowing Jesus is much different from knowing who Jesus is or knowing something about Him. 

   

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