An Authentic Disciple of Jesus Christ

Etymology

The term disciple is derived from the New Testament Greek word μαθητής (mathētēs), which translates as a learner, pupil, or student. In the context of Scripture, a disciple is not merely someone who acquires information, but one who earnestly follows a teacher’s way of life and internalizes their instruction. This distinguishes a disciple from an apostle—another important biblical term. While a disciple learns, an apostle is “one who is sent” with a mission to proclaim and enact the message received from the teacher, particularly as demonstrated in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20).1

To be a disciple of Jesus Christ, then, is to follow Him with loyalty, devotion, and intention—not only listening to His words but aligning one’s life with His example and commandments.

A Disciple of Christ Confesses Jesus Christ as Lord

A genuine disciple openly confesses the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This confession is not merely intellectual; it is an expression of allegiance and personal transformation.

“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.” (1 John 4:15, NIV)

To confess Jesus as “Lord” (Kyrios) in the early Church was to recognize Him as sovereign and divine, deserving of worship, glory, and obedience. This is echoed in the heavenly acclamation:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12, NIV)

Discipleship implies service. Disciples serve Christ diligently (Romans 12:11), live lives that honor Him (1 Corinthians 11:27), and respond with reverent obedience (Hebrews 5:9). The will of Christ—exalted and glorified—was often communicated to the Church through the apostolic and prophetic witness (1 Corinthians 14:37; Revelation 2–3).2

A Disciple of Christ Tries Not to Sin or Quench the Holy Spirit

The disciple strives toward holiness, not out of legalism, but as a response to the indwelling Spirit of God.

“No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.” (1 John 3:9, NIV)

This does not suggest sinless perfection, but a pattern of life that resists sin’s dominion. Quenching the Holy Spirit does not refer to sinning per se, but resisting or stifling the Spirit’s active influence in one’s life (1 Thessalonians 5:19). It is through the Spirit that conviction and transformation occur.

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves… But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive…” (1 John 1:8–9, NIV)

Authentic discipleship involves acknowledging failure while consistently returning to the source of grace.

A Disciple of Christ Loves and Fellowships with Other Believers

Love and fellowship are signs of spiritual rebirth. A disciple not only believes in Christ but also cultivates communion with other believers.

“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.” (1 John 5:1, NIV)

The Psalmist expresses this sentiment:

“I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts.” (Psalm 119:63, NKJV)

“We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house, we walked in the throng.” (Psalm 55:14, ESV)

To walk as a disciple is to walk in community—with shared prayer, mutual encouragement, and the common goal of spiritual growth.

A Disciple of Christ Obeys the Commands of Jesus Christ

Obedience is the natural outworking of love for Christ. It is not burdensome, but life-giving.

“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3, NIV)

Jesus summarized the law in two commands:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39).

He further emphasized this through the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). His ethical teaching made love not merely a moral ideal, but a divine imperative extended universally—even to enemies. Obedience is made visible in works of love and mercy. As James reminds us:

“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17, NIV)

Thus, the disciple becomes a visible expression of Christ’s love and commands.

A Disciple of Christ Loves and Obeys the Word of God

The Word of God is central to the life of a disciple. Obedience to the Word is both a sign and fruit of love.

“But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him.” (1 John 2:5, NIV)

Foundational to this are the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2–17), which form the moral baseline for God’s covenant people. These include reverence for God, Sabbath observance, and commands regarding honoring family, honesty, and justice. Jesus reaffirmed the enduring value of these commandments, even as He fulfilled and expanded their meaning.

The Heart of Discipleship: Love and Evangelism

Discipleship ultimately leads us outward—to love our neighbor and proclaim Christ. Jesus’ final instruction to His followers was evangelistic:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19, ESV)

Love for others is the heartbeat of Christ’s message. The Apostle John is a compelling model, known not for bold preaching or miraculous signs, but for his tender love and profound theological insight into God’s nature as love (1 John 4:8).

To be an authentic disciple is to reflect that divine love—to seek reconciliation, truth, and transformation through Christ.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35, NIV)

Conclusion

An authentic disciple of Jesus Christ confesses Him as Lord, resists sin, honors the Word, lives in love and fellowship, and obeys His commands. Discipleship is not a private pursuit; it is a public journey of love, growth, and grace. It calls us to grow inwardly in holiness and outwardly in compassion—walking in the footsteps of our Lord.

Footnotes
1. See BDAG Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: μαθητής is “one who engages in learning through instruction from another, pupil, apprentice.”
2. The term “Lord” (Κύριος) in the New Testament often references Jesus’ divine authority. See Rev 5:12; Romans 10:9; Phil 2:11 for confessional use among early Christians.
3. The notion of quenching the Spirit appears in early Church writings as resistance to divine promptings, especially in worship and moral decisions. See 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
4. Regarding fellowship, see also Acts 2:42–47, where early disciples devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
5. Jesus’ teaching on love surpassing the boundaries of traditional Jewish ethics is seen clearly in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37).