In your opinion, is there a difference between being a Christian and being a disciple of Jesus?
Do the two require different commitments?
In a modern view, we often distinguish between a "Christian" (someone who identifies with the Christian religion) and a "Disciple" (someone who is deeply committed). However, biblically speaking, the two are the exact same thing.
TERMINOLOGY
1. The Same Identity: Disciple = Christian
Many people today consider being a Christian to be merely an administrative status or simply a matter of "believing," while being a disciple is seen as an "advanced level." However, the Bible does not recognize this separation.
- Mention in the Bible: The word "disciple" appears more than 260 times in the New Testament, while the word "Christian" only appears 3 times. This shows that the primary identity of a believer is as a disciple.
- One Commitment: There is no such thing as a "casual-track Christian" and a "serious-track Disciple". Everyone who accepts Jesus as Savior also accepts Him as Lord. Accepting Jesus means being willing to be educated (discipled) by Him.
- In conclusion: Being a Christian without being a disciple is a contradiction. If you claim to be a Christian, then you are a disciple who is learning to obey.
2. The History Behind the Nickname "Christian"
The name "Christian" was not coined by Jesus or the apostles for themselves. This name emerged from the observations of outsiders.
A. First Time in Antioch (Acts 11:26)
After the persecution in Jerusalem, the disciples scattered as far as Antioch. There, they continued to teach and live by exemplifying Jesus.
- Word Origin: Christianos (Greek), derived from the word Christos (Christ) with the Latin suffix -ianos, which means "follower" or "belonging to."
- Literal Meaning: "People of Christ" or "Little Christs."
B. A Mockery that Became an Honor
Initially, this nickname was most likely used as a mockery or insult by the residents of Antioch, who saw the behavior of the disciples as "strange" because they were always talking about Christ and living according to the way of Christ.
The people of Antioch were known for their fondness of giving funny or insulting nicknames to specific groups.
However, the disciples were not ashamed. Instead, they wore the name with pride because it showed that their identity had merged with that of the Master.
WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?
Biblically, discipleship is not just a class or a curriculum, but rather a lifelong process in which a believer learns to become increasingly like Christ.
- Definition: The word "disciple" (Greek: Mathetes) means a "learner" or a "follower."
- The Core of Discipleship: An intentional relationship between a mentor (discipler) and a disciple to grow in obedience to God.
1. The Call to Be a Disciple (Matthew 28:18-20)
Jesus' primary command before ascending to heaven was the Great Commission. This is a mandate for every believer, not just pastors or evangelists.
Three Components of the Great Commission:
- Go: Reaching out to people wherever they are.
- Baptize: Bringing people into fellowship with the Triune God and the church community.
- Teach: Not just a transfer of knowledge, but teaching them to do (obey) the commands of Jesus.
2. The Requirements to Become a Disciple of Jesus
Luke 9:23 (NET) - “Then he said to them all, 'If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.'”
Mark 8:34 (NET) - “Then Jesus called the crowd, along with his disciples, and said to them, 'If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.'”
Jesus set a high standard for those who want to follow Him. This was said not only to His disciples but also to the crowds (Mark 8:34).
Based on Luke 9:23, there are three practical steps:
- Deny Oneself: Placing personal will beneath the will of God.
- Take Up the Cross: Being willing to suffer or sacrifice for the sake of faith and truth. It is also a symbol of putting the flesh to death.
- Follow Jesus: Making Jesus the primary exemplar in one's way of thinking, speaking, and acting.
What about the Christians in your family and around you? Have they done the 3 things above so that they can be called a Christian (= disciple)?
What about you?
3. Why Is Discipleship Important?
- Spiritual Maturity: Without discipleship, we remain "spiritual infants" who are easily tossed to and fro by the world.
- Multiplication: Discipleship aims for that disciple to eventually be able to disciple others as well (2 Timothy 2:2).
- Community Transformation: An obedient disciple brings a positive impact to their family, work, and surrounding environment.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FOLLOWER AND A DISCIPLE
There is a crucial moment in Jesus' ministry where the dividing line between "the interested crowd" and "the committed disciple" becomes crystal clear. This event is recorded in depth in John 6.
1. Motivation: Seeking Bread vs Seeking Life (John 6:26)
Jesus had just performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000. The crowd chased after Him not because they understood its spiritual significance, but for physical gain.
John 6:26 (NET) - “Jesus replied, 'I tell you the solemn truth, you are looking for me not because you saw miraculous signs, but because you ate all the loaves of bread you wanted.'”
- Follower: Seeks Jesus for what they can get (blessings, healing, comfort).
- Disciple: Seeks Jesus for who He is (the Bread of Life).
2. Response to Hard Teachings (John 6:60 & 66)
When Jesus began to teach about total commitment and His sacrifice (metaphorically eating His flesh and drinking His blood), many of His followers felt deeply disturbed.
- Verse 60: Then many of his disciples, when they heard these things, said, “This is a difficult saying! Who can understand it?” (Verse 60)
- Verse 66: After this many of his disciples quit following him and did not accompany him any longer. (Verse 66)
- Follower: Will stop following when Jesus' teaching begins to demand a lifestyle change, rebukes sin, or becomes difficult to process logically.
- Disciple: Remains even when they do not fully understand everything, because they trust in Jesus' authority.
3. Faithfulness in Times of Crisis (John 6:67-68)
After the large crowd departed, Jesus questioned His twelve apostles. This is where the definition of a "True Disciple" emerges through Peter's response.
John 6:67-68 (NET) - “So Jesus said to the Twelve, 'Do you want to go away as well?' Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.'”
- Follower: Has a "visitor" mentality. If the atmosphere becomes uncomfortable, they leave to find another place.
- Disciple: Has a "devoted" mentality. They have no backup plan (Plan B) because they know that only in Jesus is there truth.
|
Aspect |
The
Crowds |
The
Disciples |
|
Attraction |
Miracles and physical benefits. |
Truth and the presence of Christ. |
|
Endurance |
Follow as long as conditions are
comfortable. |
Remain faithful when facing difficulties. |
|
Relationship |
Keep their distance (merely spectators). |
Close and intimate with the Master. |
|
Purpose |
Want Jesus to serve them. |
Want their lives to serve Jesus. |
Another Reference: Luke 14:25-33
In these verses, the Bible records: "Now large crowds were accompanying Jesus on his journey, and he turned and said to them..."
Jesus then laid down very demanding conditions (hating one's own life, carrying the cross). Jesus deliberately "sifted" the crowds to demonstrate that being a follower who merely admires Him is not enough to be His disciple.
THE LIFESTYLE OF A DISCIPLE OF JESUS
The lifestyle of a disciple of Jesus is not merely a religious routine, but rather a total transformation in the way one thinks and acts. In first-century Jewish tradition, a disciple did not only learn what his teacher knew, but learned to become like his teacher.
The following is the primary pattern or lifestyle of a disciple of Jesus based on biblical principles:
1. Making Christ the Center (The Supremacy of Christ)
The most fundamental life pattern is putting Jesus above all else. This does not mean neglecting family or work, but ensuring that all life decisions align with His will.
- Radical Obedience: Doing what Jesus commands even if it is difficult or unpopular.
John 14:15 (NET) - “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.”
- Complete Dependency: Realizing that apart from Christ, we can do nothing.
John 15:5 (NET) - “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me—and I in him—bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing.”
2. A Lifestyle of Learning (Spiritual Disciplines)
A disciple is a lifelong learner. This pattern includes:
- Abiding in the Word: Not just reading, but meditating on and living out the contents of the Bible (John 8:31).
John 8:31 (NET) - “Then Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him, 'If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples.'”
- An Intimate Prayer Life: Communicating regularly with God, exemplifying Jesus who frequently withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16).
Luke 5:16 (NET) - “Yet Jesus himself frequently withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.”
3. A Lifestyle of Denying Oneself and Bearing the Cross
This is the pattern that distinguishes a true disciple from a mere follower (Luke 9:23):
- Denying Oneself: Stopping the practice of making the "ego" or personal desire king.
- Bearing the Cross: Being ready to bear the consequences, challenges, or sufferings for the sake of faith in Christ. This includes putting their flesh to death daily.
4. A Lifestyle of Love and Service (Servant Leadership)
Disciples of Jesus are known by the way they treat others:
- Loving One Another: Becoming the primary identifying mark of a disciple (John 13:34-35).
- Serving, Not Being Served: Disciples of Jesus look for ways to make an impact and help others, rather than seeking honor (Mark 10:43-45).
- Forgiveness: Having a pattern of life that is quick to forgive others, just as Christ has forgiven us.
5. A Lifestyle of Community (Fellowship)
Disciples of Jesus do not live in isolation. Their pattern of life always involves other believers (Acts 2:42-47):
- Building Each Other Up: Engaging in community (a church or small group) to mutually strengthen, exhort, and pray for one another.
- Accountability: Being willing to open up to be corrected and exhorted by brothers and sisters in faith.
Hebrews 10:25 (NET) - “not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near.”
6. A Lifestyle of Mission (Multiplication)
A healthy disciple will produce new disciples. This is an outwardly focused pattern of life:
- Being a Witness: Sharing the Gospel through words and deeds wherever they are (office, school, home).
- Discipling Others: Helping others to also grow to know and follow Jesus (Matthew 28:19).
After studying all the things above, what about you? Are you merely a follower or a disciple?
Awan (Andreas Hermawan)