Anatomy of a Disciple

            According to John 1:35-51 a disciple is someone who is willing to drop all, follow christ, a servant, willing to share the message, a believer of Christ vested in the outcome of Christ’s mission.           

            Taking a closer look at these verses we begin to see a pattern developing as to what type of person it takes to become a disciple. Better yet what are the characteristics of a disciple? Looking at John 1:35-42 where Jesus called his first disciples Andrew and Peter, we see that a disciple is one that is called or even recruited, a listener, one who is willing to seek, accept the seen and the unseen. One who responds to the power of the Holy Spirit, is unselfish, fruitful, and one who recognizes authority of Christ Jesus.

            Again these characteristics are seen in verses 43-51: a willingness, open mindedness, a change in focus. Another unforeseen characteristic of a disciple is one that is persevering. Looking at Phillip we see that he recruited Nathaniel, however Nathaniel was not convinced in the beginning. “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”vs46. Some would consider this a rejection and move on, but Philip again said “,Come and see”. 

            So What is a disciple? Simply this: one who is willing to serve and become less so that Christ can become more. Let us continue to pray this prayer that God becomes central in our lives so that we are able to show others the Christ that lives within us. Amen