We have reduced the word disciple to student or learner. What we do not know is, a disciple who followed a Jewish rabbi had one goal in mind, that he might be exactly like his rabbi, not just in his teachings, but in the way he lived. They memorized his words and were always prepared to share them. They sought to follow their rabbi’s manner of living. In the case of Jesus, if we would be His disciple, we must seriously put His teaching into practice in our lives and we faithfully follow Him all the way to His cross. We have learned that His cross has become ours.
“And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34 NASB)
