The question of discipleship is central to understanding what it means to follow Jesus. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus defined and demonstrated the essence of being His disciple. A disciple is not just a casual believer but a committed follower, someone who walks closely with Christ, learns from Him, and actively participates in His mission. Here, we explore the hallmarks of a true disciple as seen in Scripture.

Called to Be with Him and Sent by Him

In Mark 3:13-19, Jesus called His disciples for two primary purposes: to be with Him and to be sent out. This dual calling is foundational to discipleship. The first aspect—being with Him—emphasizes relationship. Jesus desires intimacy with His disciples. He calls us to spend time in His presence, hear His voice, and grow in understanding of His character and will.

The second aspect—being sent—points to mission. Jesus equips and empowers His disciples to share the Gospel, make disciples, and demonstrate His love in the world. To help us reflect on our discipleship journey, we might ask ourselves:

• What has God been saying to me this week?

• What has God been doing through me this week?

These are questions we usually start off our house church meetings asking ourselves. Now you know why.

Disciples are Learners

The term disciple comes from the Greek word mathétés, meaning "learner" or "pupil." Disciples called Jesus Rabbi, or teacher, recognizing their role as students (John 9:2). A true disciple is eager to learn, constantly growing in understanding and application of God’s truth.

Disciples are Followers

Discipleship is not merely an intellectual pursuit—it is a call to action. When Jesus said, “Follow Me,” (Matthew 4:18-22), His disciples left everything to walk with Him. This act of following demands surrender, commitment, and trust. As Jesus declared, His followers must be willing to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him anywhere, anytime, and under all circumstances (Luke 14:25-33).

Disciples are Doers

Jesus sent His disciples out to heal the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim the Kingdom of God (Matthew 10:5-15). True discipleship involves putting faith into action. It’s through active obedience that disciples grow and see God’s power at work. Learning often comes through doing—stepping out in faith and trusting God to guide and equip.

Disciples are Intimate Friends of Christ

Jesus referred to His disciples as friends, sharing with them the deep truths of God’s Kingdom (John 15:12-17). This intimacy reflects the heart of discipleship—a relationship where Jesus is not just Savior but Lord. As obedient followers, disciples submit every aspect of their lives to His authority (Luke 6:46-49).

Disciples are Disciplined Ones

The word disciple shares its root with discipline. Discipleship requires commitment and self-control, much like a soldier’s dedication (2 Timothy 2:1-7). This discipline manifests in spiritual practices such as prayer, studying Scripture, fasting, worship, giving, witnessing, and participating in community fellowship. These habits build spiritual strength and foster deeper communion with God.

Discipleship isn’t about striving in our own strength. Peter’s denial of Jesus (Luke 22:54-62) serves as a reminder of human weakness. However, on the day of Pentecost, Peter was empowered by the Holy Spirit, transforming him into a bold witness. True disciples rely on the Holy Spirit, yielding to His guidance and finding strength in Him.

Discipleship is a Team Effort

Jesus called His disciples together, emphasizing the importance of community (John 13:31-35). Disciples grow through fellowship, mutual encouragement, and accountability. The Christian life is not a solo journey; it is a shared pursuit of God’s mission.

The Heart of Discipleship

At its core, discipleship is about hearing and responding to Jesus. As His sheep, we recognize His voice and follow where He leads (John 10:22-30). To be a disciple is to repent, believe, and commit to a lifelong journey with Christ.

A disciple of Christ is someone who walks closely with Him, learns from Him, and lives out His mission with commitment and reliance on the Holy Spirit. If you feel like you have not yet begun discipleship journey, consider this invitation: Repent, believe in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, and be baptized. Begin this transformative relationship with Christ today.