What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?

When we believe in Jesus, we become his disciples. But what exactly is a disciple? And what does this mean for our lives?

1. What is a disciple of Christ?

A disciple is someone who receives and adheres to the teachings of a master. The term has its origins in the idea of a "apprentice" or "student. As Christians, then, we are students of Christ: we learn from him and aspire to be like him.

By becoming disciples of Jesus, we no longer live for ourselves, but for him, who gave his life to save us. The apostle Paul expresses it clearly:
"He died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again" (2 Corinthians 5:15).
So, to be a disciple of Christ is to choose to follow Jesus, to learn from him, and to do everything we can to be like him. It means living in a way that pleases him and reflects his love.

2. A transformed life: leaving everything to follow Jesus

When Jesus called the first disciples, their response was immediate and radical: they left everything to follow him. This teaches us that becoming a disciple of Christ requires absolute priority.

In Mark's Gospel, we read this invitation from Jesus:
"Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men. Immediately they left their nets and followed him" (Mark 1:17-18).
These first disciples abandoned their nets, symbols of their work and material security, to walk with Jesus. This gesture illustrates self-denial, one of the keys to discipleship.
To be a disciple of Jesus is to respond to his call with faith and obedience, to learn from him every day, and to live for him rather than for ourselves. It's a commitment that transforms our whole life, because by following Christ, we discover the true meaning of our existence.

Pasteur Clémentine