What Is a Disciple of Christ? How to Know You’re One.

Every disciple of Jesus is a Christian, but not every Christian is necessarily a disciple.

So what is a disciple of Christ, really?

A Disciple Loves Jesus More Than Anything

“‘If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.’” (Luke 14:26 NKJV).

Jesus said that if you’re going to follow Him, you must love Him more than anyone else—even your closest relationships. 

And He is using the technique of sharp contrast to make a point. Obviously, He’s not telling us to hate people. The Bible actually tells us to love others. What Jesus is saying is this: Love God more than you love anyone else.

It means putting God in the number one position, centering your life around Him. 

A Disciple Takes Up Their Cross Daily

“‘And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.’” (Luke 14:27 NKJV).

Now, in the first century, when someone carried a cross, everyone knew what that meant: That person was going to die a painful death. This was a graphic, clear image Jesus was giving. 

So what does it mean?

It means dying to self. It means turning from a self-centered life to a God-centered life.

And let’s be honest—this runs completely against our culture.

Today, everything is about ‘me.’ But here’s the irony—people have never been more focused on themselves, and yet many are more anxious, empty, and disconnected than ever.

Jesus gave us the solution: If you want to find yourself, lose yourself (see Matthew 16:25).

A Disciple Impacts the Culture Around Them

“‘Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?’” (Luke 14:34 NKJV).

As Christians, we’re like salt in the culture.  But salt that has lost its flavor is good for nothing, like a flat Coke.

Salt does a few things. It preserves. It adds flavor. And it creates thirst.

That’s what a disciple does in the world. 

If we’re living as we ought to live as followers of Jesus, we will stimulate in them a thirst for God.