Disciples and Multitudes

Part 2 of 2

As we have before mentioned, Jesus had differing "ranks" of believers following Him even in His earthly ministry. Multitudes met Him for His healing gift, His bread in the wilderness, etc. Within those, at least 70 disciples called Him master, while only 12 of the 70 actually left all to follow Him. Furthermore, even within the 12, there were 3 who were singled out: Peter, James and John. These were especially and peculiarly close to Jesus, being with Him in His hours of trial, and during His glorious Transfiguration. But even within the 3, there was 1 man, John the beloved. John was the only one of the entire mass who found the heart of God! I dare say he was the highest ranking "official" of the whole lot.

Let's examine the stark difference between these said ranks, as present within the pages of Holy Writ. What saith the Scriptures concerning these schisms that were and are yet present within the Christendom of yesterday, today and tomorrow? You just may be surprised... In examining these precious gems, we will better understand what it really means to be "a disciple".

The Greek word used for "disciple" literally means, "a pupil, a disciplined one, a learner". It comes from a root that means "to understand". We will soon see this definition to be especially accurate.

On the contrary, the Greek word used for "multitude(s)" literally reads "a company, a throng, a riot, a casual collection of people; the ignorant masses". Wow! What more must be said of such a rank? These were they whose shallow dedication to our Lord kept them at a distance. How sad. Sadder still that these "multitudes" are yet present today.

Concerning the disciples, the Bible has much to say. After all, God's great book is living and active (Heb 4:12), and thankfully continues to speak to the bowed down ear. The very first mention of the word "disciple" is found in Isaiah's prophecy. He tells us that disciples are full of and sealed with God's law (8:16). We see this a constant theme, for Jesus also said "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed..." (Jn 8:31). What a wonderful foundation for anyone who seeks King Jesus - a true disciple will always be one who radically clings to the Word of God!

What else does Scripture say in defining a disciple? What more do the Pages of Wonder display? Let us observe..

A disciple is he who is radically attached to the person and presence of Jesus (Matt 8:21), continually meeting Him in the mountain, a clear type of Zion (Matt 5:1). A disciple follows King Jesus to his or her own detriment. Long after the multitudes have left with a full belly, the disciples follow our Lord into a boat, and endure a mighty storm (Matt 8:23), seeing Him even tread upon their troubles (Matt 14:26)! A disciple is he who sits with, eats with, and ministers to the sinner (Matt 9:10). A disciple fasts for the Bridegroom (Matt 9:15). A disciple prepares for the harvest, and prays for laborers (Matt 9:37). A disciple has power over unclean spirits, and ministers God's healing graces (Matt 10:1). A disciple is seen "as" the Master (Matt 10:24-25). A disciple is not weighed down with mere religion (Matt 12:1-5), actually being despised by it (Jn 9:28). A disciple is likened to and equated with King David (Matt 12:3-4), even eating God's great shewbread, the Bread of Faces!

A disciple is he whom Jesus calls His "brethren" (Matt 12:49). A disciple is initiated into the deeper truths of God (Matt 13:10-11). A disciple is close to the Lord, and has first-hand revelation of His will (Matt 13:36). A disciple is who God uses to feed the multitudes (Matt 14:15-16; 15:36). Disciples are they who prepare the way of the Lord (Matt 14:22), they who forsake the many traditions of men (Matt 15:2), and they who don't grow offended at God's Word (Matt 15:12). A disciple has a deeper revelation and knowledge of God (Matt 16:13-17), possesses privileged information (Matt 16:20), and sees God in all of His glory (Matt 17:1-9). A disciple is he who denies his own carnal flesh (Matt 16:24), he who is continually "going up" to Jerusalem, the City of God in the Spirit (Matt 20:17-18). A disciple is obedient to the Word of God (Matt 21:6; 26:19). A disciple receives the "sign" of His coming (Matt 24:3)! Hallelujah! Do you want to be a disciple?

Disciples are they eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink of His blood, thus receiving His Divine life (Matt 26:26). Disciples beg and care for God's body (Matt 27:57), while getting a glimpse of His heart (Matt 14:32-39). Disciples are marching onward to perfection (Lk 6:40). Disciples sit at God's feet (Lk 10:38-42). A disciple loves Jesus more than all else (Lk 14:26), takes up his cross (Lk 14:27), and forsakes all that he has just to follow the Lord (Lk 14:33). A disciple is he or she who continues with Jesus in His temptations (Lk 22:28). A disciple ministers to Jesus' needs (Jn 12:1-8). A disciple is especially loved of the Lord (Jn 13:23). A disciple reciprocates that love back to God and to his fellow man (Jn 13:34-35), and bears much fruit (Jn 15:7-8). A disciple is the first to walk in resurrection power (Jn 20:2), the first to witness to God's truth (Jn 21:24), and the first to receive the promise of the Spirit (Acts 2:1-3)! A disciple has vision (Acts 9:10), is full of good works and deeds (Acts 9:36), and through much tribulation do they enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22 with Heb 4:6)!

What a sharp contrast from the mere multitudes of Christians on the outer fringe of Christianity! The multitudes are sent away (Matt 13:36; 14:22). The multitudes are weary after a mere three days with Jesus (Matt 14:14), having no shepherd, and being utterly scattered (Matt 9:36). The multitudes are content to simply have their needs met (Matt 12:15; 19:2; 15:30; Lk 5:15), never really investing in God nor into His kingdom. The multitudes cry "Hosanna" one day, and "crucify Him" the next. What a terrible realization (Matt 21:9; Mk 15:13). In fact, the multitudes (along with Judas, the tainted disciple) are the very ones who led Jesus to his captives (Matt 26:55)!

Who can fail to see the dramatic difference that Scripture places upon these differing ranks? May we receive fresh vision to follow Jesus like never before!