What does it mean to be a “Member” of the Body of Christ? To be a “Member” of the Lord’s Body is to be a True Disciple.

Please read carefully Matthew 28:16-20 Now some questions: What is the command of the Great Commission? “Go therefore and make disciples” How is it to be done? By “baptizing them” ? No, that’s part of the process, but some are “baptized” who never become true disciples! By “teaching them” ? Again, that’s part of it, but many are taught to observe who never really become disciples.

What we need is a better understanding of discipleship. We usually define disciple as: A follower… but this is inadequate, Luke 14:25-27 Or a learner… but this too is inadequate- many learn about Jesus but never become a disciple! Acts 5:34 Maybe a Christian is a disciple? (Acts 11:26) Christians should be disciples, and true ones are disciples, but not the “cheap grace” (faith only) kind!

So, what is a true disciple? Most lexicons define disciple as a learner or pupil of another. If we add the notion of following, then we’ve gotten closer, cf. Matt.10:24. But Luke 6:40 adds another important element: “after he is fully trained, will be like his teacher.” A disciple is one who learns, follows, and becomes like his teacher.

A puppy dog may learn from you, follow wherever you go, and even be fiercely loyal to you. But despite his dedication, devotion, and even his love for you, he will never become like you! A disciple is not just a learner, or even a follower blindly devoted to a master, he becomes like his Master. Luke 14:26ff

The Point? In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus didn’t tell His apostles to make pupils, or learners, or even followers, He told them to make “disciples” of the nations by making them like Him through: 1. Baptism, Rom.6:3- 4; Col.2:12 2. Observance of all that was commanded, Luke 6:46; John 12:47-50! (cf. Phil.2:8 & Heb.5:8)

Anything less is not true discipleship. Does this mean one must be a perfect copy of Jesus Christ to be saved eternally? No! As disciples, we are to endeavor to emulate Christ to the best of our abilities- but we cannot become Him, cf. Eph.5:1 and 2Pet.1:2-4 > A true disciple is not just a pupil at the feet of a teacher, he is one truly committed to the teachings of, and to becoming like, the Teacher!

Now we’re ready for the really big questions: Have you been “baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” ? You can’t be a true disciple without it! Have you been taught to, and are you “observing all” that Jesus commanded? You can’t be a true disciple without it! Are really committed to not just following Jesus, but becoming like Him? You can’t be a true disciple without it!