Marks of a Disciple 1: Who is a Disciple?

“We are here to live holy, loving, lowly lives.” Amy Carmichael

Disciples are important. Here are the last words of Jesus, called The Great Commission, that were spoken to them:

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matt 28:18-20 NASB95)

The main verb is “make disciples” and the supporting verbs are going, baptizing, and teaching, but none of this will happen unless the person goes out. So, who is the person that Jesus is asking to go? What are the characteristics, or marks, of the person the Father asks to step out into the world that He created and loved? Explore this compelling word with me and five distinctive marks of a disciple found in other Scriptures. 

The disciple will be a spiritual man or woman, who is aware of the work of the Spirit within himself. Going up in spirit and soul toward the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit will become a habitual act of devotion that sets him apart from others. When the disciple moves into a space with other people, his eyes will go down, demonstrating the humility that the Holy Spirit has placed within when contemplating the majesty of God. Going inside and accurately assessing one’s inner self will motivate the disciple to always act with integrity. As he begins to identify others in the room, he experiences compassion and his heart goes outward, away from the needs of self. Approaching them, the disciple will seek opportunities to serve and to save those who are lost and needy, like Jesus did, teaching and baptizing, like Jesus asked. In all these things the disciple will see the need to focus, harnessing discipline and self-control to reach the goal of making disciples for Jesus.

None of these marks of a disciple will become transformational or consistent unless he or she develops that focus. Integrating focus is the most important mechanism in a disciple’s life to encourage him to “go on.” Fasting is a tool of focus that God blesses when we set aside something for Him, for a time, and maximizes our time of prayer and intimacy with Him.

These five marks answer the question, “Who do you need to be when you go and do?”

Lord Jesus, I want to become a disciple who reflects who You are, as I am going, in this wonderful life You have given me. I am grateful for all Your blessings. Show me specific ways I can grow and change, for You, and for the others You will place in my path. Amen.