A good definition of a disciple is someone who follows another to learn to live a better life. Jesus had many disciples but all of them were not at the same level of maturity or self-control. As is the case today. Jesus had twelve who were the most intimate with Him. And of the twelve, Peter, James, and John were closer still. But John leaned on His breast at the last supper.
The definition of the word Discipline is the practice of training a person to obey rules or behavior. Do you see the word “disciple” in discipline?
To carry on His mission after He went back to Heaven, Jesus needed some well-trained, obedient disciples who could be trusted. His method of training them included time He spent with them, teaching by precept and demonstration, and sending them to areas to represent Him and His kingdom in ministry. When they returned, He often gave them further instructions about what they encountered (Luke 10:19-20).
The Great Commission (Mt.24:18-20) is the carrying out of this directive as was given to them. We are to go and make “disciples” of Jesus as we teach them to “obey” the instructions that He has left with us. Too often in the modern church, we make members or converts to an idea or program but few real disciples of Jesus. To see His plan fulfilled it will be necessary to have disciples who make disciples who make disciples, etc. until He returns!
A thought to consider is are you making disciples of your immediate family? Who will take your place in the work of the kingdom of God after you are gone? In the Old Testament, you had the schools of the prophets where an older more experienced prophet would teach and train the younger ones. An example is Elijah with Elisha. In churches down through the centuries, the same methodology has been carried on. And in the last fifty years, disciples making disciples is coming back as a way to disciple others.
All types of discipline (parents, military, police, schools, punitive punishment, etc.) are meant to develop personal discipline in the individual. If one is a possessor of personal discipline they will not need as much further instruction as before, as they become more trustworthy. Individuals who have a high degree of personal discipline become better employees, leaders, workers, and disciples of Jesus!
Now is a good time to evaluate ourselves to see how good a disciple of Jesus that we really are!