What is it that qualifies a person to be a disciple of Christ? Typically, people’s answer focuses on how the person behaves or talks, their biblical knowledge, or, more generically, being a follower of Jesus Christ. Yes, a disciple shares those features, but are those qualities clear indicators of a disciple of Jesus? If we applied such answers to Simon, the former magician introduced in Acts 8:13, would he be classified as a disciple of Christ? Luke wrote, Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized, he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed (ESV). Yet later (vs 20-22), when Simon exposed his misguided motivation, Peter firmly rebuked his pseudo-religious experience and insisted he repents and be converted. This shows we cannot classify a person to be a disciple of Jesus because they follow the classic religious protocol of receiving salvation, then becoming a participant in the local church.
Jesus and Apostle James’ little brother Jude pointed out there were those in the church who were in the church but were like Simon. Here is how Jude described them. When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals, commemorating the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness. Jude 1:12-13 (NLT2)
The Greek word translated “disciple” means a “learner” or “pupil”. A disciple of Jesus, then, is one who learns from Jesus, but is that all a disciple is? If so, would that mean Judas Iscariot was a disciple of Jesus? He must have learned from Jesus having traveled with Him for 3 years. On the other hand, in the end, Judas failed to learn to have a heart like Jesus because he betrayed Jesus. Does learning from Jesus alone qualify a person to be an authentic disciple of Jesus? This additional insight allows us to get a step closer to identifying an authentic disciple of Jesus.
Dallas Willard uses the term apprentice in place of disciple and it seems to me he is on to something profound yet very simple. An apprentice is a learner but is not simple in the proverbial classroom with other students, although he/she may be among the rest in a classroom. An apprentice is someone who provides help to a skilled worker in order to learn the trade himself. Such a person selects his/her hero of sorts and fully commits to learning everything about their hero, as well as the person’s perspective on life, skills, mannerisms, and even motivations. An apprentice of Jesus would then seek to be close to Him all the time, watching and listening not just to His words and deeds but sensing His motivations, values, and perspective of life. Perhaps the single most dynamic motivator within Jesus was His total love and devotion to His Father. An apprentice of Jesus would lean to share that love for God as well. Isn’t that what Jesus told each of us to practice in His first great commandment? And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength (Mark 12:30, NLT2)
It is my conviction that if I persist in learning to love God more each day, week, month, and year; I will find myself thinking and functioning as Jesus did. I have yet to grow into the full stature of a heart like Jesus for His Father, but I’m pressing on. How about you?