What is a Disciple? The English word "Disciple" comes from the word "discipline", So, if English was the original language one would expect a learner to be someone very disciplined in following the words of his/her Master. But the original language was not English, but Aramaic. And since Aramaic is a a very little used language we cannot be absolutely sure about the nuances of the word used by Jesus himself, and his – disciples. We are therefore referred to the oldest available texts, one translation-step away from the Aramaic – The antique Greek.

{math-ay-tes’} { maqhthv" }= a learner, pupil, disciple

The word math-ay-tes’ is derived from the word man-than’-o

{man-than’-o} { manqavnw }= to learn, be appraised, to increase one’s knowledge, to be increased in knowledge, to hear, be informed, to learn by use and practice, to be in the habit of, accustomed to

So, according to the meaning of the word, a disciple is a:

• listener, a pupil and a learner
• who increases in knowledge
• who makes sure to be informed
• and who learns by use and practicing the doctrine.

Discipline, it appears, is the mark of a disciple. A disciple recognizes the greatness of the teacher, and the nothingness of his/her contribution to the doctrines of perfection.

• S/he who picks and chooses which doctrine to believe and which doctrines not to believe has become a disciple unto him/herself.
• S/he who chooses which commandments to obey has become a God unto him/herself.
• S/he who changes the doctrines of Jesus and says Christianity must follow the times is gathering a flock of carnal disciples unto themselves.

How can one recognize true disciples of Jesus? Naturally, first of all, they must build their life and their teaching upon the words of the Master, not making changes as seems them good, practical or popular. On top of this, Jesus added a new commandment for true discipleship:

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)

How is it possible for one disciple to love all other disciples? First it must start with – discipline. A disciple behave as if he love, and Jesus has taught us how. An important part of behaving lovingly is to serve our fellow man (and in particular the other disciples). As we strive and pray to love our brothers and sisters, we will be sad when we fail to give that love. As we repent of our shortcomings, we will become more aware of the redeeming love that the Master have for us.

19 We love him, because he first loved us.

20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. (1 John 4:19-21)

But it is not only a commandment. It is actually a natural law: If we serve our fellow men, and repent from our shortcomings, we will know of the love of the Lord, and this love will be reciprocal. And it is not possible to love the Lord without loving our brothers and sisters.

20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. (1 John 4:20-21)

It is wonderful and safe to exercise love and discipline as a learner, and increase in knowledge, and learn by a lifetime of putting to use the teachings of the Master.