A Disciple is a learner.
Mathetes is the greek word for disciple (from which we get 'mathematics'). It's a term for learners. We are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom 12:3).
To be a disciple is to be Jesus' family
To be a disciple is to be included in Jesus' ministry to the world
There are disciples of all sorts of Teachers, a disciple of Jesus must switch allegiance
'Disciples' often turn back from following Jesus...
But true disciples abide in Jesus' word
We show ourselves to be disciples by loving one another
Discipleship is about reflecting the Lord's glory.
2 Cor 3:18 - from the Lord outwards to the world
Evangelism makes disciples...
Matt 28:18-20 - we do not aim for converts merely but for disciples.
...and discipleship makes evangelists
The 12 disciples become 12 apostles (sent ones). The call to Christ is the call to be a fisher of men - 'I believed therefore I spoke'.
Discipleship is not about getting people to do what they don't want to do.
Contrary to how it's often preached, the true learner is called to live out their new nature, not simply stifle their 'true desires'.
The call to discipleship is not gradual
We think of ramping up our expectations for discipleship over time. Jesus calls us to die from the outset (Luke 14:27,33). The little stuff follows.
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It takes Jesus Christ's personal presence to baptize in the Holy Spirit and to teach individually, as self-revealed in his death on the cross, rather than our personal and subjective presentations in order to make disciples according to the terms and seal of the "new covenant". (Jer. 31: 31-34; Matt. 26: 26-29, 64; 27: 50-56; 28: 18-20)
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