The word disciple is tossed around in churches so often that we rarely stop to ask, “Do we actually know what it means?” Is a disciple simply someone who attends church regularly? Someone who knows their Bible? Volunteers occasionally? Gives tithe? Many Christians might assume so. But if showing up on Sunday and being nice to others were enough, then Jesus wouldn’t have called people to leave their nets, deny themselves, and follow Him completely.
Today, we face a subtle but serious problem: we have churchgoers who think they’re disciples, and disciples who feel disoriented in churches that don’t challenge them to grow. So, let’s clear the confusion.
In this second post of our six-part discipleship series, we’ll explore what it truly means to be a disciple, how Jesus modeled it, and why we must move from fans to followers.
Defining a Disciple: Learner, Follower, Reproducer
The Greek word for disciple—machetes—means “learner” or “pupil.” But in the context of Jesus’ ministry, it meant so much more than attending a class or taking notes.
A disciple is someone who:
1. Learns from Jesus
- They actively study and internalize His teachings—not out of obligation, but hunger.
2. Follows Jesus
- Not just in belief, but in behavior. A disciple mirrors the life, values, and mission of the one they follow.
3. Reproduces for Jesus
- True disciples make other disciples. They multiply—not merely in number, but in transformation, “Go therefore and make disciples…” (Matthew 28:19).
Discipleship was never meant to stop with us; it was always meant to go through us. Being a disciple is a lifestyle of obedience, love, and multiplication. It’s not a role, it’s an identity. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer once explained, “The Incarnate Son of God needs not only ears or hearts but living men who will follow Him. That is why He called His disciples into a literal bodily following and thus made His fellowship with them a visible reality,” this means that discipleship must be seen, not just believed.
Jesus’ Model: Relational Discipleship
Jesus didn’t rent out a temple classroom and post an office hour schedule. He walked with His disciples. Ate with them. Served with them. Challenged them. Corrected them. Cried with them. Empowered them. This was no casual mentorship. It was immersion. For three years, Jesus’ disciples watched His every move. They asked questions. They failed. They misunderstood. Yet, through that relational rhythm, Jesus shaped them into the kind of people who would one day turn the world upside down (Acts 17:6).
If Jesus had chosen to disciple through distance and detachment, we wouldn’t be here. He chose proximity over programs. Transformation over information. Today, churches must return to this relational model. “Jesus didn’t create a classroom; He created a lifestyle.” Programs may serve as helpful containers, but discipleship is about people, not paperwork. It happens over coffee, in living rooms, in late-night text threads, and during shared service. It’s slow. It’s sacred. It’s how Jesus did it.
Fans vs. Followers: A Critical Contrast
In Luke 9:23, Jesus doesn’t hold back: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” This wasn’t a metaphorical suggestion. It was an invitation to die, to self-interest, self-preservation, and self-glory. Yet many today prefer to be fans of Jesus rather than followers of Jesus.
How do we tell the difference?
| Trait | Fan of Jesus | Follower of Jesus |
| Attitude | Enthusiastic observer | Devoted imitator |
| Commitment | Selective and situational | Daily and sacrificial |
| Focus | What can Jesus do for me? | How can I serve and obey Jesus? |
| Relationship | Spectator at a distance | Intimate walk with the Savior |
| Impact | Consumes spiritual content | Creates spiritual legacy |
Jesus doesn’t call us to be admirers. He calls us to be imitators. Fans may fill seats, but only followers will carry the cross. And the true disciple doesn’t just follow for their own sake, they lead others to follow too.
The Marks of a True Disciple-Love + Sacrifice
In John 13:34–35, Jesus gave a defining characteristic of discipleship:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you… By this all people will know that you are my disciples.” According to Jesus, discipleship is not proven by knowledge, attendance, or charisma, but by love. Not just sentimental love, but sacrificial love. The kind that:
- Forgives quickly
- Serves freely
- Listens patiently
- Confronts gently
- Endures humbly
Love is not optional for the disciple. It is the very evidence that we belong to Christ.
Summary—What We’ve Learned
To summarize, here’s a clear, concise definition:
A disciple is someone who learns from Jesus, follows Him in every area of life, and leads others to do the same, marked by sacrificial love and daily obedience.
They are not perfect, but they are in pursuit of Christ.
They don’t just know the Bible—they live it, share it, and replicate it.
Illustration—Discipleship Is a Lifestyle, Not a Lesson
Imagine Jesus walking the roads of Galilee, not with a syllabus in hand, but with dirt on His feet, a crowd around Him, and a purpose in His heart. He didn’t hand out enrollment forms. He said: “Come, follow me.” He didn’t offer a weekly seminar. He invited them into His life. That’s why we say: “Jesus didn’t create a classroom; He created a lifestyle.” And that lifestyle is available to you. Right now. No tuition required. Just your “yes.”
Conclusion: Are You a True Disciple?
Let’s be honest. Many of us have been fans more than followers. We’ve attended but not obeyed. We’ve consumed but not contributed. We’ve admired but not imitated. The good news? It’s never too late to begin again. The visible power of discipleship lies in community. As Bonhoeffer writes, “This visible church with its perfect common life invades the world and robs it of its children; the daily growth of the church is a proof of the power of the Lord who dwells in it,” for the strength of the Church is not in its structure, but in its Spirit-filled community.
Jesus is still saying: “Come, follow me.” Not into comfort, but into purpose. Not into crowds, but into commitment. So, are you a disciple—or just someone who believes in Jesus from a safe distance? Jesus doesn’t want spectators. He wants students. Followers. Ambassadors. Disciple-makers. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be willing.
The journey of discipleship starts with surrender.
Next Up: Why Discipleship Fails in the Local Church
In the next post, we’ll take an honest look at why so many churches struggle to disciple well, and what we can do about it.
Stay tuned. Bring your questions. And let’s grow deeper, together.