April 4

He did not tell them anything without using a parable. But privately He explained everything to His own disciples. — Mark 4:34 BSB

What does the word "disciple" mean? It means “a learner,” someone under a teacher who has become a devoted pupil, receiving continual instruction. Therefore, a disciple of Christ is one whom the Lord Jesus has personally admitted into His school and whom He Himself teaches, making them meek and lowly in heart. A disciple of Jesus sits humbly at the Redeemer's feet, receiving the gracious words that flow from His lips, much like Mary, whom the Lord commended for choosing the better part. This is the posture of all God's saints, as declared in Scripture: “Yes, He loved the people; all His saints are in Your hand; they sat down at Your feet, every one shall receive of Your words” (Deut. 33:3).

But a true disciple not only listens to the Master’s teachings but acts upon them. A disciple of Jesus imitates His example and is conformed to His image. The sincere disciple is also characterized by love for their Master. A disciple of Jesus treasures Christ’s words in their heart, meditates on His precious promises, and delights in His glorious person, love, and sacrifice. A disciple of Jesus reflects the image of their heavenly Master, so that others may recognize they have been with Jesus. Just as Moses' face shone with the glory of God when he descended from the mountain, so the true disciple shines before others with a reflection of the glory of the Son of God.

To be much with Jesus is to become like Him. Sitting at Jesus’ feet allows us to drink in His words; leaning on His breast lets us feel His love; looking up to Him reveals a face more marred than any other, yet radiant with heavenly beauty and glory. To be a disciple of Jesus means copying His example, doing what pleases Him, and avoiding what He abhors. To be a disciple of Jesus means being meek as He was, humble, lowly, self-denying, separate from the world, and living in communion with God, as He lived during His time on earth.

To take a lowly sinner and make them a disciple of Jesus is the greatest privilege God can bestow. To choose a rebellious, ungodly soul and place them in the school of Christ, at Jesus’ feet, is the highest favor God can give any human. What surpassing kindness it is that God would extend His grace to a stranger and an enemy, softening and molding them by His Spirit into the likeness of His own dear Son. How insignificant all earthly honors and titles are when compared with this divine privilege! Earthly honors fade into nothingness when set beside the incomparable blessing of being a disciple of Jesus.