69. What is the difference between a follower and a disciple of Christ?

A follower of Jesus Christ can be simply that, one who follows. A follower does not necessarily seek to obey Christ or accept the message Jesus preached. They may be attracted to the message but not ready to commit themselves to be a servant of Christ. A disciple is one who is committed to the Lordship of Christ in their life. The disciple is one who seeks a relationship with Christ that leads them to become disciplined, to obey the teachings of Christ, live in the power of the Holy Spirit, and make disciples of others who will also make disciples of others. Disciple-making was Jesus strategy to spread the gospel of the Kingdom of God throughout the whole earth. It is inherently a transformational multiplication strategy so the good news of the Kingdom of God will reach everyone on earth. Jesus last command to his disciples is found in Matthew 28 verses 19 – 20, ‘Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ The people carrying the good news to the nations need to represent Jesus Christ by being like Him. That is why He invites us to be His disciples. Disciples are people who are seeking to live like Christ, multiply His Kingdom, and live disciplined lives to obey His commands under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.