Many get being a disciple of Jesus Christ confused with either being an Apostle or simply being a follower. Here we want to make clear just what a disciple is!
“Disciple” comes from the Greek root which means “learner” or “student.” Therefore, those who say all they have to do to be a disciple is “follow” or “believe” are certainly in error. Jesus had many followers and a significant number of disciples. but He chose to focus on only 12.
Why?
Because He knew that He had limited time to teach them all that they needed to know. Jesus was an expert on small group dynamics. He knew that 12 was an optimal number for small group teaching. Fewer and He would not be as effective as He could be, more and the group would become too dysfunctional to be effective. (As it was, He had to deal with enough squabbles within the group)
I think there are two very important points to be made here re discipleship:
1. Disciples ARE followers, to be sure. But they are much more They seek to be LIKE Jesus. To do that, we must know Jesus, His character, His intent for us. To be able to do this, we have to be learners, students of the Master. An it is a lifelong journey. In discipleship, learning is like riding a bicycle. You either keep on moving forward, or you fall off.
2. Jesus said that the student (disciple) can become as great as the Master. Mere followers can never progress beyond the barest of mediocrity.
Yet, many claiming to be fervent Christians are no more than followers.
Many followers are either unwilling or think it is unnecessary to be students, to learn, to study. Spending time, investing yourself in God’s Word is essential to being a disciple. How can one possibly develop a personal, intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior and yet not learn about Him through study and get to know through prayer? You can’t!
These are two of the easiest, simplest things to do to become a disciple of Jesus. there are the starting point. There is so much more.
Yet many are not willing to pay even this cost of discipleship…
Become ALIVE in The Word! It will change your life.
Shalom, Art 
Alive in The Word
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Reblogged this on ChristianBlessings and commented:
Are you a disciple or a follower?
Very good points Art.
As disciples we cannot just follow His shadow(s). We have to follow the real Jesus as reflected in the Word and not the reflections of man.
We must aim to be the best we can be in Him. There is hope to be that for Him in His strength.