Discipleship in the Bible vs. Today: 10 Key Differences Every Christian Should Understand
In many modern Christian circles, the term "disciple" has been reduced to something passive—a churchgoer, a believer, someone who generally follows Jesus from a distance. But in the time of Jesus, discipleship meant something far more radical, immersive, and life-altering. To understand what Jesus truly meant when He said, “Follow Me,” we must explore the first-century Jewish context of discipleship and compare it with how we often live out that calling today.
Here are 10 key differences that reveal just how far we've drifted from the biblical picture of being a disciple—and why it's time to return.
1. Belief vs. Imitation
Modern View: Today, many Christians think being a disciple means mentally agreeing with Christian doctrine. Belief is often seen as a checkbox—"I believe in Jesus, therefore I’m His disciple."
Biblical View: In Jesus' time, discipleship was not merely about agreeing with your teacher—it was about becoming like him. Disciples lived alongside their rabbi, observing everything he did, and sought to imitate him in word, deed, and heart.
Scripture:
"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." – Luke 6:40
This imitation goes beyond external actions—it reflects an internal transformation. As 1 John 2:6 says, "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." To be a disciple is to live, think, love, and serve the way Jesus did.
2. Occasional Learning vs. Lifelong Apprenticeship
Modern View: Discipleship today is often treated like a weekly event—a Bible study, class, or small group.
Biblical View: In the first century, discipleship was a full-time calling. A disciple left everything to follow their rabbi—physically, emotionally, spiritually. It was an immersive, 24/7 way of life.
Scripture:
"And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him." – Matthew 4:19–20
This wasn’t a part-time commitment. It was a reordering of one’s entire life. Like the disciples who left their nets, homes, and identities, we are called to follow Jesus with the same level of devotion (Mark 3:14).
3. Volunteering vs. Surrender
Modern View: Following Jesus is often added to our lives as a form of spiritual volunteerism—something we do when it's convenient or emotionally fulfilling.
Biblical View: Jesus called His disciples to full surrender. Following Him required leaving behind personal comfort, ambition, and attachments.
Scripture:
"So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple." – Luke 14:33
This type of surrender isn’t symbolic—it’s tangible. Matthew 10:38-39 reiterates that whoever does not take up their cross is not worthy of Christ. Paul later echoes this in Philippians 3:8, calling all his worldly gains “rubbish” compared to knowing Jesus.
4. Information-Based vs. Transformation-Based
Modern View: Many treat discipleship like education. If we read enough books, attend enough conferences, and take enough notes, we’ve grown as disciples.
Biblical View: The aim of discipleship is not information but transformation. It's not about filling your head—it's about forming your life into Christ’s image.
Scripture:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." – Romans 12:2
Jesus told His disciples they would be known by their fruit (John 15:8). In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul speaks of us being transformed “from one degree of glory to another” as we behold Christ. Discipleship is about becoming, not just knowing.
5. Open to Everyone vs. Chosen and Committed
Modern View: We often think anyone can be a disciple if they want to. It’s open, casual, and non-committal.
Biblical View: While Jesus invites all, not everyone responds. In biblical times, rabbis chose disciples who were committed and willing to count the cost. Jesus chose His disciples intentionally—and still demanded deep commitment.
Scripture:
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide..." – John 15:16
This wasn’t a casual invitation—it was a commissioning. In Luke 9:62, Jesus warned that no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom. Discipleship demands a forward-moving commitment.
6. Casual Relationship vs. Covenant Loyalty
Modern View: Jesus is often approached as a friend or guide—someone we turn to for help, but not someone we owe absolute allegiance.
Biblical View: In the first century, disciples owed their rabbi unwavering loyalty. To follow Jesus was to enter into covenantal obedience, prioritizing Him over everything.
Scripture:
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" – Luke 9:23
This was a call to daily death—to self, to pride, to control. Jesus also said in Matthew 10:32-33 that if we deny Him before men, He will deny us before the Father. Discipleship is a covenant, not a convenience.
7. Individual Faith vs. Communal Journey
Modern View: Faith is seen as a personal journey. We focus on "my walk with God," often in isolation.
Biblical View: Discipleship in the Bible was always communal. Disciples followed Jesus together, challenged one another, and grew through shared life and mission.
Scripture:
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." – Acts 2:42
The early church lived in community. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers not to neglect meeting together. Even Jesus sent out His disciples in pairs (Mark 6:7) because growth happens best in relationship.
8. Minimal Sacrifice vs. Radical Obedience
Modern View: We often think discipleship should make life easier or better—but without disruption.
Biblical View: Jesus taught that following Him would cost us everything. Discipleship demands radical obedience, even in the face of discomfort or danger.
Scripture:
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple." – Luke 14:26
This isn’t about literal hatred but about prioritization. Obedience to Jesus must supersede all other loyalties. In John 14:15, He says, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
9. Church Attendance vs. Mission Participation
Modern View: Discipleship is often equated with attending church services or being part of programs.
Biblical View: Disciples are not called to simply sit—they are called to go. Jesus trained His disciples to carry out His mission, spreading the Kingdom wherever they went.
Scripture:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." – Matthew 28:19–20
This Great Commission wasn’t for pastors only—it was the mission of every disciple. Jesus also said in John 20:21, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
10. Faith as Belief vs. Faith as a Way of Life
Modern View: Faith is often defined as personal belief—an internal conviction or mental agreement.
Biblical View: In Scripture, faith (from the Hebrew emunah) means loyal trust and faithfulness. It is shown in how we live, not just what we say we believe.
Scripture:
"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." – James 2:17
Paul writes in Galatians 2:20 that the life he lives is now lived "by faith in the Son of God." And Jesus taught that wise builders are those who hear His words and do them (Matthew 7:24). Faith is action rooted in trust.
Final Thoughts
Jesus never called anyone to be a casual admirer. His invitation to "Follow Me" was a call to total surrender, radical obedience, deep community, and lifelong transformation. If we want to recover the power and depth of the early church, we must return to this original picture of discipleship—one shaped not by convenience but by the cross. Let us walk the narrow road, not just as believers in Christ, but as true disciples who live, love, and lead like Him.
To listen to the sermon on how becoming a disciple of Christ should relieve stress and anxiety in life, listen here.