Disciple actually means a follower or pupil of a teacher and comes from the verb discere which means 'learning'.
A disciple is someone with a teachable spirit, someone who is willing and committed to learn (not someone who thinks he/she knows everything already).
Jesus says some very important things to the people who want to be His disciple, for example: A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher (Luke 6:40). Will be like Jesus ... in thinking, talking and acting!
Not everyone believes that Jesus is the Son of God, but in general people do agree that He is the greatest teacher who ever walked the earth. Is it not logical that we should learn from Him? This begins with the reading and studying of the four Gospels (do it!) and asking for wisdom and insight from the Holy Spirit.
The qualifications for discipleship are not very complicated, but quite radical: So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:33). In today's terms this basically means:
- that we must be willing to let go of everything we think to know
- that we should not hang on to our possessions and
- that we must be willing to give up our lives for Him
Hi Marja,
ReplyDeleteThat teachable spirit is so important, huh? I want to always have that too.
Have a great week,
Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com
Yep, I said yes to it a long time ago and I am still learning :)
DeleteA senior saint once told a group of us that we are the most teachable when we are in the valleys.I have never forgotten that thought.
ReplyDeleteOuch, that is probably so try Cecelia, I will remember that you shared that with me. Thanks.
DeleteDefining terms is important to understanding the Word. I also like to look up words in the Greek and Hebrew when studying. Thanks for the lesson, Marja.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Susan, I enjoy doing word studies as long as the bring life!
DeleteI have so much to learn! My bible reading currently takes me into a few chapters of the old testament and then a chapter in Mark with the words of Jesus in red. Often I am still holding onto my own thinking, my own ideas but thankfully He is a patient teacher.
ReplyDeleteYes, he is a very patient teacher indeed, I learn so much from Him. I am learning to enjoy the process.
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