THE LAW OF FIRST MENTION: DISCIPLE

The word “disciple” means learner or pupil.

In the New Testament, the word usually refers to disciples of Jesus, but we also read about disciples of the Pharisees (Matthew 22:16; Mark 2:18), disciples of John the Baptist (Mark 2:18; Luke 11:1; John 1:35), and disciples of Moses (John 9:28).

In first-century Israel, disciples learned from a Rabbi, or teacher. The Gospels often call Jesus a Rabbi (Matthew 26:25, 49; Mark 9:5; 10:51; 11:21; John 1:38, 49; 3:2, 26; 6:25; 20:16). Jesus was a Rabbi or Teacher, and His pupils were His disciples.

The first mention of a disciple is in Matthew’s Gospel. “When he saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to teach them…” (Matthew 5:1–2). What follows is often referred to as the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5:3-7:27).

Are we His pupils… His disciples?

We prove to be Jesus’ disciples if we are students of the Word.

We prove to be Jesus’ disciples if we imitate Him by loving others. “Everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

And we prove to be Jesus’ disciples if we have forsaken the world’s pressures and pleasures in obedience to His call and commission. “Calling … his disciples, he said to them, ‘If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me’ ” (Mark 8:34).

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).