Materials Included
• 4 Sessions of Learner’s Materials
• 4 Sessions of Teaching Materials
• Handouts

Scriptures
1. Matthew 3:16-17
2. Matthew 20:20-28
3. Mark 12:28-34
4. John 15:14-15, 20-25

Brief Description
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? The Greek word translated “disciple” is mathatas, “a learner…one who follows one’s teaching” (Vine, 316). New Testament writers almost always use the word “disciple” in reference to the followers of Jesus. Generally, Jesus is the teacher—disciples are the learners. However, there’s more to being a disciple than merely following Jesus’ teachings. This unit explores four Gospel passages that will help us understand more of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

Session one explores Matthew 3:16-17, the revelation of God after Jesus’ baptism. This passage presents Jesus’ baptism as his ordination to messianic ministry. It also represents the origin of Christian baptism, which among other things symbolizes a Christian disciple’s first act of obedience—and an “ordination” to Christian service.

The second session examines Matthew 20:20-28. Some of Jesus’ disciples were seeking special privileges. Jesus explains that true greatness comes from serving others. Being Jesus’ disciple means learning to serve as Jesus served.

Session three focuses on Mark 12:28-34. In this passage, someone asked Jesus, “What is the first commandment?” However, the question they really wanted answered was this: What is the one commandment that encompasses all others? Jesus answered that the commandments to love God and others represent the center of God’s will. Being Jesus’ disciple means learning to love as Jesus loves.

The final session explores John 15:14-15, 20-25—a passage in
which Jesus proclaims to the disciples, “You are my friends.” In these verses, Jesus explains the difference between servants and friends. He also reveals the negative and positive connotations to this special relationship. Being Jesus’ disciple means being Jesus’ friend.

Join us now as we explore together what it means to be Jesus’ disciples, servants, and friends.

W. E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (Old Tappan NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1966).

by Jeff Wise

User License
The purchaser of this file has permission to print twenty copies of this Learners Study Guide. Neither the file nor the printed contents may be sold copied or transferred to another person or church. The purchaser may make a backup copy of the file.

The purchaser of this file has permission to print one copy of this Teaching Guide. Neither the file nor the printed contents may be sold, copied or transferred to another person or church. The purchaser may make a backup copy of the file.

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