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The Greek for "disciple" is μαθητής (mathētḗs), which means "learner, follower". Disciples not only learn from the teacher, but also learn from the teacher’s way of living.
μαθητής appeared for the first time in the New Testament in Matthew Chapter 5. "Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them..." (Mt. 5:1~2) It turns out that Jesus’ famous "Sermon on the Mount" (Chapters 5-7) was not for the passers-by, but the people who were willing to follow Christ.
However, followers of the Lord will also encounter various challenges ―"Lord, first let me go and bury my father." (Mt. 8:21) Someone had to go to see the field or try out the five yoke of oxen they just bought. Someone just got married... (Lk. 14:15~24) Facing the hard teaching of Jesus, many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. (Jn. 6:66) Jesus on the other hand did not cut down the price against his disciples: "Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." (Mt. 10:37~38)
Therefore, a person who truly follows Christ is not only a person who receives teachings and training from Jesus, he has indeed handed over the sovereignty of life to the Lord. So Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Gal. 2:19~20) This is a heartfelt response of a true disciple to the love of Christ.
In October, our Centre invited Christian staff of the University to join the "Red Disciple" Course, challenging everyone to read the entire Bible (60% of the Scriptures) in one year, with the goal of "Becoming Disciples through Bible Study".
The Lord listened to my prayer. I did my best to invite while brothers and sisters replied one by one. On the day of deadline, 7 registration forms were received. For sure this is a test of faith for me and those who signed up (at least 8 participants are required to start the course). To my wonder, I am not disappointed and my heart is filled with peace. I ask the Lord, "What is your will? Is it the right time or should I wait again?"
I find out that the "Disciple" class had already commenced when I called for participants. We always expect to get good returns from our effort. Actually we weigh the love of God by what God gives us. We just have no patience to wait.
We would never graduate from the learning of humility, loyalty, patience and obedience. Instead, I have to learn to serve my Master and say, "We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty." (Lk. 17:10) This evening, I pray to my Lord, "May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands." (Ps. 90:17) The Lord responded in my heart, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (Prov. 16:3)
Servant pastor
Rev. Benedict Shum
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