Christian Quest
Study 28
Discipleship - On becoming like children

Reading:
Matthew 20:1-18
Mark 10:13-31
Luke 18:15-30

Commentary - Disciple

The word disciple comes to English from the Latin word discipulus. In Jesus' time it generally meant a pupil or a learner. It sometimes referred to a philosopher's understudy. The comparable Greek in the NT applies the same meaning; a pupil or learner. The idea of "learner" predominates in the Old Testament, but the term flowers to its full meaning in the New Testament, as it is used extensively the Gospels. John refers to Moses' disciples (Jn. 9:28) and Mark calls John the Baptist's followers disciples (Mk 2:18) while Matthew denotes the disciples of the Pharisees (Matt.22:16) A good student, a true learner, is one who is humble in realizing the need to be taught. Jesus likened it to being like little children in His ministry. The principal designation of disciples in the NT is, of course, referring to the followers of Jesus the Lord.

People came to Jesus with varying degrees of conviction and loyalty which gives a broad range of meaning to the term in the Gospels. The highest concept of discipleship was applied to the twelve Apostles (Lk 6:12-18). After Jesus' death, the term took on a narrower connotation as that of one who had come into full faith and commitment to Christ, as seen in the Acts account. By the second century it came to be associated with martyrdom, as in the case of Ignatius as he spoke of himself, the idea evidently being that death for Christ would prove one to be a true disciple.

In summary, it can be said that a disciple was understood to be one who became a believer (Acts 11:26); was a pupil of Christ; a believer committed to suffering and sacrifice in necessary for the faith (Lk. 14:26-33); and one who makes disciples of others (Matt. 28:19,20). Making disciples meant drawing others to faith in Christ and his teachings and baptizing them. The term disciple in the context of the Bible New Testament significantly implies repentance, faith for salvation, dedicated Christian living, and telling the good news to others.

Synopsis

Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17 - "Let the children come to me . . . for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:16-26; Mark 10:17-27; Luke 18:18-27 - A rich young ruler asks: "Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?"

Matthew 19:27-30; Mark 10:28-31; Luke 18:28-30 - Reward for the sacrifices of discipleship.

Optional research:

• How do disciples compare with Apostles?

Review questions:

• Define disciple in Biblical terms.
• How are Christian disciples like children?
• Why were the children brought to Jesus?
• What was Jesus referring to when he told the rich young ruler to obey the commandments.
• Why was the rich young ruler saddened?
• How did this relate to what Peter said to Jesus?
• How can we apply this lesson in our own lives?

Optional discussion:

Is it wrong to be wealthy? What did Jesus mean?