At Abundant Life, our first priority is to make disciples. So we have to ask: what is a disciple?
Jesus had a lot to say about His followers, describing His disciples as people who take the time to learn and live out His teachings. Keep reading to see what Jesus Himself said in Scripture about His disciples.
A disciple demonstrates love for others.
Jesus says the way the world will know we are His disciples is by our love for each other. Disciples are called to love each other, even in our disagreements. It’s important enough to Jesus that He says it three times in two verses! Demonstrating love is demonstrating discipleship.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35
A disciple abides in God’s Word, and knows the Truth, allowing the Truth to set them free.
To abide in something means to “stay” or “remain.” A disciple is someone who makes their home in God’s Word, continually receiving, believing, and trusting that the Bible has what we seek. Equipped with this knowledge, a disciple can live in the freedom we can only experience through Jesus.
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32
A disciple is baptized.
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. A disciple gets baptized to show they have entered into a personal relationship with Jesus and experienced life-giving transformation. The physical immersion in water shows a dedication to be immersed in the Holy Spirit and live out the Christian life.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19-20a
A disciple understands the cost of following Jesus.
Being a disciple brings joy, peace, and blessings to the life of the believer, but Jesus was very clear that it also comes with challenges. Throughout His ministry, Jesus told His disciples that there were things they would need to give up and hardships they would need to endure if they were going to follow Him. A disciple is a person who understands that cost, and is willing to pay it to follow Christ.
“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”
Luke 14:27-28
A disciple glorifies God by bearing much fruit.
The life of a disciple is a productive one. Every believer is given gifts through the Holy Spirit, and Jesus expects His disciples to use their gifts to affect the world around them. A disciple is someone who draws closer to the Lord, and helps others to do the same.
“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
John 15:8
Have questions? We’d love to help.
Use the link below to connect with our Institute Coordinator to answer any questions you may have.