We often define the Bible word “disciple” – translated from the Greek mathetes – as “learner” or “student”. While that is true, the way we typically think of being students leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to being disciples of Jesus. I remember being an Algebra student. I went to class every day. I paid attention and took notes. I did my homework and studied for tests. Yet, I was not an Algebra disciple. My only reason for taking it was because I had been told I needed it for later classes, college admission, and my eventual career. While I did my best, my life did not revolve around Algebra. It was one of many subjects I needed to learn.
Having a good Algebra teacher helped. Mrs. Natalie Dillinger knew her stuff and communicated it well. You could always approach her with questions. She truly cared about her students and wanted us to succeed. Yet as good a teacher as Mrs. Dillinger was, I was not her disciple. She had mastered a subject that I needed to learn – but that was it. I was not going to follow her throughout the day and model my habits after hers: that would have been super creepy.
That is why “disciple” does not equal “student”. Sometimes we approach Christianity like Algebra. We attend services, pay attention, and occasionally ask questions – perhaps because someone told us we needed to. We take notes and study some at home; but at the end of the day, it is just one of many subjects for us. As we juggle our family and work responsibilities, we may even wonder, “When am I going to use this in real life?” No doubt, Jesus is a good teacher who really does care about us. Yet, if we could just learn what He has to teach well enough to pass the final – in this case, the Judgment Day – we will be satisfied.
Not Jesus, though. “A disciple is not above his teacher,” He preached, “but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). When Jesus calls us to be His disciples, He is not calling us to learn a minimum level of knowledge but to become His completely devoted followers. To hear what He says, watch what He does, learn how He thinks – and to model our own lives after His. If we will let Him train us how to live, we will experience the “more abundant life” He came to bring us (cf. John 10:10). Instead of just learning about Him, He invites us to truly learn from Him and find rest for our souls (cf. Matt. 11:29).
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