Disciples, characteristics of

The content of discipleship is most clearly seen in the Christian's relationship to Jesus Christ. But this also affects a person's relationship to God the Father, the cross, the church and the world.

Disciples and their relationship to Jesus Christ

Coming to Christ and following him

Matthew 4:19 See also Matthew 11:28; Mark 10:21; Luke 18:16

“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

Receiving him

Revelation 3:20 See also John 1:12

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

Learning from him

Matthew 11:29 See also Matthew 24:32 parallel Mark 13:28

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Lovingly obeying him

John 14:15

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Trusting him

John 14:1

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well.

Confessing him

Matthew 10:38 parallel Luke 14:27 See also Mark 8:38 parallel Luke 9:26

and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.

Imitating him

1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Peter 2:21

Reflecting him

Matthew 5:16

Abiding in him

John 15:4 See also John 6:66–68

Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.

Disciples and their relationship to God the Father

True sons and daughters of God

Matthew 5:44–45

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Discipleship and glorifying God

See also Matthew 5:16

Disciples and their relationship to the cross

Self-denial

Matthew 16:24 parallels Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23

Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.

Disciples and their relationship to the church

Treating other Christians as family

Mark 3:34–35 See also Matthew 18:15–17; John 15:12, John 15:17

Looking at those seated in a circle around Him, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.”

Disciples and their relationship to the world

They are to be active in the world but are to be distinct from it

Matthew 5:13 See also Matthew 5:14–16; John 17:11–23

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

They are to make other disciples

Matthew 28:19 See also Acts 1:8

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,