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ToBeLikeHim.com Return to Main
Page What is a Disciple of Jesus Christ? John Baugh 1.
A disciple of Jesus may be an interested observer of Jesus In this manner, disciples
might include the mildly interested onlookers who follow, until following
becomes inconvenient. At that point, they go their way, no longer involved
and unchanged by the encounter. During his ministry on the
earth, there were many who came to hear Jesus speak, were fed emotionally and
physically and then, when they were filled, they departed and perhaps never
encountered him again. 2.
A disciple of Jesus maybe a follower of Jesus. When Jesus walked this earth,
many people followed him. Some were absolutely committed followers, sticking
with the master wherever he led them. Others followed as long as Jesus was
close to them, and left him when night came, or their thoughts turned
elsewhere. They may have followed as far as the next town or perhaps across
the sea of Galilee, but their involvement was temporary and for the most
part, committed to the fulfillment of their needs. 3.
A disciple of Jesus may be a believer in Jesus. Disciples certainly include
those who see Christ as God’s son. They have accepted the commitment to our
salvation that Jesus made and the offer of salvation he makes to each of us.
Many disciples fall in this group, but (sadly) many of this level of
discipleship remain largely inactive in their Christian life and fail to
honor the Great Commission of Christ. 4.
A disciple of Jesus should be (needs to be) a lifelong student and adherent
to the teachings of Jesus. Consider the word lifelong: ·
The commitment of this type of disciple is not casual. It has
substance, evidenced by the desire to remain with the Master. ·
This type of commitment is lasting, enduring and permanent. Consider the word student: ·
If one is a student, there needs to be a relationship with a teacher
(Master). ·
A disciple should seek to learn from the Master. ·
.Our goal in learning is to be able to emulate the teaching of the
Master and to carry forward with that teaching. ·
We learn so that we will know and so that we can do Consider the word adherent: ·
The root of this word is adhere, which
means “to stick”. ·
Adhesive is also a derivation of the word
adhere. ·
Most of us still remember adhesive tape.
It was the white tape we used as kids when we needed to bandage a wound or
bind up a twisted ankle. - If we use all of these thoughts to expand our
definition, it might be possible to say that an adherent sticks like adhesive
tape to the teachings of Jesus. 5.
Disciple Makers: ·
Disciples at this level have made Jesus
Lord of their lives. ·
Disciples at this level understand that a
direct reflection of their life in Christ is seen in their desire to share
this love of their Lord and savior with others. ·
Disciples at this level invest their time and
efforts to help others grow to a level of understanding that assures they
will be driven to share the Gospel message of Christ also. ·
Disciples at this level understand that
equipping the twelve apostles and sending them out established Christ’s plan
for spreading the Gospel to the entire world. ·
They understand becoming a reproducing
disciple is Christ’s desire for their life and for the lives al all
believers. In this way, Jesus expects us to reach the entire world. Copyright © 2005 - ToBeLikeHim Ministries |