A disciple is a learner and a follower. When the Lord chose the twelve disciples, it was that they might first be with Him and then that He might send them forth. In this issue we trace a little of the lessons we are to learn from the lives of Peter and John as they learned to be disciples, both in being with the Lord and when they were given their work to do for the Lord. We will see that a key factor in being a disciple is to be near the Lord in the enjoyment of His love for us.
In Luke 9 we get both the Lord’s side and man’s side of discipleship. One man whose heart is attracted to the Lord says, “Lord, I will follow Thee,” while the Lord commands another, “Follow Me.” Also, we must consider well the man who thought He could follow regardless of the cost, for he said, “Lord, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest.”
This issue outlines some hindrances in us to being wholehearted disciples. It also shows us the essential need to learn our “death with Christ” in order to be able and willing to follow Him even unto death. Even as disciples we must learn, “Without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:55I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5)).