Disciples of Yeshua

Blaine Robison, M.A.

Published 10 June 2019; Revised 25 April 2024

Scripture: Unless otherwise indicated Scripture quotations are taken from the New American Standard Bible (1995 Updated edition). Scripture quotations may be taken from different versions. Click here for abbreviations of Bible versions. Quotations marked with the initials "BR" indicate the translation of the author.

Sources: Bibliographic data for sources cited may be found at the end of the article. Unless otherwise indicated references to the Talmud are from the Soncino Babylonian Talmud (1948); available online at Halakhah.com. Click here for Talmud abbreviations.

Syntax: Unless otherwise noted the meaning of Greek words is from F.W. Danker, The Concise Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (2009), and the meaning of Hebrew words is from The New Brown, Driver, Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (1981). Explanation of grammatical abbreviations and a pronunciation guide for New Testament Greek may be found here. The numbering system of the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible is identified with "SH" (Strong's Hebrew number) and "SG" (Strong's Greek number). Strong's Online.

Special Terms: In order to emphasize the Jewish nature of the apostolic canon and its central figure I use the terms Tanakh (Old Testament), Besekh (New Testament), Torah (Law), Yeshua (Jesus), and Messiah (Christ).

Introduction

Throughout the apostolic narratives the followers of Yeshua are known as disciples, a translation of Grk. mathētēs. The English word "disciple" is defined as a pupil or an adherent of the doctrines of another; or a follower of the doctrines of a teacher or a school of thought. Thus, in simple terms a disciple is person devoted to learning from a teacher. This definition fits those who followed Yeshua, because they wanted to learn from him. Yet, those disciples discovered that Yeshua had great expectations of them and this article will explore those expectations.

During the apostolic era disciples were given the name "Christian" (= "Messianic"), a functional synonym of disciple (Acts 11:26). See my article What is a Christian? In the history of Christianity, and certainly in modern times, the name "Christian" has lost its equivalency to "disciple." According to surveys the majority of Americans consider themselves to be Christian, even people who don't attend church regularly, but survey results would be much different if people were asked "Are you a disciple of Jesus?" The label "disciple" is simply not in vogue as a self-description.

Evangelical churches do place emphasis on discipleship and many Christian resources are available on the subject. In churches "discipleship" generally means coaching a new believer in Christian doctrines and the "means of grace," i.e., basic Christian practices, such as confession, repentance, baptism, Bible study, prayer, public worship, participation in the Lord's Supper, and financial giving. The apostle Paul likened those things normally associated with discipleship as elementary things (Heb 6:1). They don't necessarily produce maturity as a follower of Yeshua.

Paul counseled believers to pursue righteousness and holiness in order to be fully equipped as a disciple (1Tim 6:11; Heb 12:14). The landmark work Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1937) demonstrated how much such "elementary Christianity" falls short of biblical discipleship. Becoming a disciple is much more than being a believer or a church member. After reviewing the biblical and historical background of the disciple we will consider three aspects of discipleship as represented in the teaching of Yeshua and the lives of his apostles.

● The Call

● The Conduct

● The Cross

The Historical Context

In ancient Greek culture a mathētēs might be a learner of dancing, the pupil of a philosopher or rhetorician, a student of medicine or an apprentice (LSJ). In the LXX mathētēs occurs only in two alternate readings of Jeremiah 13:21; 20:11; 26:9 (DNTT 1:485). The fact that "disciple" occurs only in the apostolic narratives does not mean the concept is absent in the rest of the Besekh. A parallel term is hagioi, "holy ones," occurring 60 times in the Besekh and commonly translated as "saints." Paul addressed all his congregational letters to the "holy ones," a label that reflects discipleship realized. Paul also likely did not want to imply he had any kind of master-disciple relationship as he originally had with Gamaliel.

Pre-Exile Israel

In the history of the Israelite people recorded in the Tanakh there was no teacher-disciple relationship as found in the apostolic narratives. The learner always remained a part of the chosen people. The priest and the prophet did not teach on their own authority. The attendants of Moses and the prophets were not called pupils, but servants (Ex 24:12; Num 11:28; 1Kgs 19:19-21; 2Kgs 4:12; Jer 32:12-13). In the Tanakh the vocabulary of teacher-pupil is bound up with the concept of covenant. God is the Master and Teacher and He instructed Israel in covenantal life (Deut 4:1-14; 14:23; 17:19; 31:12-13).

Within that context priests and Levites were to teach the men of the nation (Lev 10:8-11; Deut 17:8-10) and in turn the fathers would teach their children (Deut 6:7; cf. Mal 4:6). The concept of teacher-disciple has its roots in certain relationships of leaders and prophets and their servants. Joshua served Moses (Ex 24:12; Num 11:28); Elisha served Elijah (1Kgs 19:19-21); Gehazi served Elisha (2Kgs 4:12) and Baruch served Jeremiah (Jer 32:12-13). There were also schools of prophets who learned from the leading prophets of Israel (1Sam 10:5; 1Kgs 18:4; 20:35; 2Kgs 2:3-7, 15; 4:1, 38; 5:22; 6:1; 9:1).

Post-Exile Israel

The teacher-disciple relationship originated in the rise of Phariseeism. In the time of Ezra certain men known as Hasidim ("pious ones") organized and separated themselves from the common people for religious devotion. The first mention of the group is in the books of Maccabees where they are described as "a company of Hasideans, mighty warriors of Israel, every one who offered himself willingly for the Law" (1Macc 2:42; cf. 1Macc 7:13; 2Macc 14:6). The Pharisees (Heb. P'rushim) are known by that name as an organized group from the 2nd c. BC. The Pharisees of the Great Sanhedrin, 200–20 B.C. came to be known as Sages, teachers revered for their wisdom. Notable Jewish teachers of following generations also became known as Sages. (See a list of the Jewish Sages here.)

By the first century the pupil of a Sage or rabbinical teacher was referred to by the Hebrew term talmid. Since the teacher's knowledge gave him direct access to the Scriptures which facilitates right understanding, he became a kind of mediator between the talmidim and the Torah. To listen to and learn the Scriptures without the guidance of a teacher was something to be avoided (Berachot 47b). The focus of the talmid was not just on the Torah but all the traditions developed by the Sages (Shabbath 31a). These traditions included theology, customs and laws derived from interpretation of Scripture.

One notable priest advised, "Let your house be a house of meeting for the Sages, and suffer yourself to be covered by the dust of their feet, and drink in their words with thirst" (Avot 1:4). Thus, the Mishnah exhorted, "Appoint for yourself a teacher" (Avot 1:6) and the only task of a talmid was to acquire knowledge from his teacher (Avot 2:8). Learning was determined by the authority of the teacher and his interpretation of Torah, not by individual and personal study of Scripture.

Rabbi-Talmid Relationship

The teacher of talmidim was called Heb. Rabbi ("rah-bee," lit. "My Master," Abodah Zarah 17b), an honorific title of respect derived from Heb. rab (SH-7227), "great, lord, or master" (Jastrow 1442). In The Talmud Rabbi is used only of Sages in the land of Israel and the phrase "our rabbis taught" is used frequently in the Talmud to introduce their important sayings. These Sages considered themselves authorities in their own right, having replaced the prophets (Baba Bathra 12a). Sages of later periods in Babylon are identified by Rab or Rabban. The Rabbans were considered as infallible oracles in religious matters, and eventually in Rabbinic Judaism usurped not only the place of the Torah, but of God Himself.

NOTE: See Daniel Gruber, Rabbi Akiba's Messiah: The Origins of Rabbinic Authority, Elijah Publishing 1999; also the article "Rabbinic Judaism" at ElijahNet.net. In the first century the title was used exclusively for Torah scholars (Stern 68). The title "Rabbi" did not become associated with the leader of a local synagogue until medieval times ("Rabbi," JVL).

In ancient times a talmid did not enroll as a student with a particular rabbi. When a rabbi could see a promising student as a possible talmid, then the rabbi would himself issue the call (Kasdan 103). Becoming a talmid would radically change a man's life. A talmid had to leave close family, relatives and friends to be with his rabbi. In Pharisaic Judaism the rabbi of talmidim was not itinerate. Rather he operated a school which talmidim attended. The most noted Rabbi-teachers of the first century were Hillel and Shammai. The Judean authorities noted that Yeshua and his disciples had not been students at any recognized academy (John 7:15; 9:29; Acts 4:13). In contrast Paul was educated under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), the grandson of Hillel.

In Jewish culture studying Torah and the traditions of the Sages was as important as honoring one's parents, and leaving home to study Torah with a rabbi was even more important. The rabbi became like a father to the talmid. In fact, the rabbi was to be honored above the talmid's own father. The Mishnah indicates that when one is searching for the lost property both of his father and of his teacher, his teacher’s loss takes precedence over that of his father since his father brought him only into the life of this world, whereas his teacher, who taught him wisdom [i.e., Torah], has brought him into the life of the world to come (Baba Metzia 2:13).

A particular hardship of a married talmid was being away from his wife. Young men attending the rabbinic school, which could begin as early as 15 (Avot 5:21), were commonly single, but since marriage took place at a relatively early age (usually by eighteen) many talmidim had a wife and children. If married, a man needed the permission of his wife to leave home for longer than thirty days to study with a rabbinic teacher (Ketubot 5:6). The Mishnah defines the character of a good talmid,

MISHNAH 14. [There are] four types of character in [regard to regular] attendance at the house of study: He who attends but practices not, the reward for attending is in his hand; He who practices but attends not, the reward for practicing is in his hand; He who attends and practices, he is a pious man; He who attends not and practices not: he is a wicked man.

MISHNAH 15. [There are] four types of character among those who sit before the Sages: [they are, severally, typified by] a sponge, a funnel, a strainer and a sieve: A sponge, which absorbs all; a funnel, which lets in at one end and lets out at the other; a strainer, which lets out the wine and retains the lees; a sieve, which lets out the course meal and retains the choice flour." (Avot 5)

The Call

"Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men." (Matt 4:19 TLV)

Early in his ministry in accordance with Jewish custom Yeshua called men to be his disciples. He began with extending the invitation to Andrew, Peter, Philip and Nathanael while in Judea (John 1:35-51). The call of Peter, Andrew and the sons of Zebedee (Jacob and John) was later confirmed in Galilee (Matt 4:18-22), which is where Yeshua recruited the rest of the Twelve (Mark 3:13-19). There were times when Yeshua invited other men to be his followers (Matt 8:22; 19:21). Even women became his followers (Mark 15:41; Luke 8:1-3; 10:38-42).

The call to follow Yeshua had the straight forward meaning of investing in Yeshua total authority over one's life and granting absolute loyalty to him. All the men and women that followed Yeshua understood they were expected to manifest the same commitment as rabbinic talmidim. The first disciples manifested the expected loyalty by calling Yeshua "Lord" (Grk. kurios; Heb. adôn). In fact, "Lord" is the principal title by which disciples addressed Yeshua during his earthly ministry, over twice as many times as any other title (e.g., Rabbi, Teacher). Their loyalty was manifested by leaving their occupations behind upon his call and then always obeying his specific instructions in any circumstance.

When Yeshua said "follow me" he also meant "become like." After all, fulfilling the hope of the Kingdom of God requires that people desire to be like the King. Yeshua clarified the matter for his disciples,

"A disciple is not above the Teacher, nor a servant above his lord. 25 It is enough that the disciple should become as the Teacher, and the servant as his Lord." (Matt 10:24-25 BR)

Paul wrote that God's people were predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son (Rom 8:29). He did not mean that disciples are clones of Yeshua. Our renewed nature is only similar to that of Yeshua. We may well ask, "What does it mean to be like Yeshua?" The WWJD ("what would Jesus do?") movement in the early 1990s attempted to provide a framework for being like Yeshua. The movement was especially influenced by Charles Sheldon's 1896 classic book In His Steps, in which characters attempt to answer the question in various arenas of life. (See my group Bible study based on this book.)

Actually, Peter provides a succinct answer to Sheldon's question in his first letter.

"21 For you were called to this, because Messiah also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you might follow in His footsteps: 22 He committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth. 23 When He was abused, He did not return the abuse. While suffering, He made no threats. Instead, He kept entrusting Himself to the One who judges righteously. 24 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we, removed from sins, might live for righteousness. By His wounds you were healed. 25 For you like sheep were going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls." (1Pet 2:21-25 TLV)

The first step in being like Yeshua is to stop sinning. In Scripture a sin (Grk. hamartia) is a violation of the commandments given to Israel, whether committed intentionally or unintentionally. A sin is not to be confused with the imperfections that separate humanity from divinity, "falling short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23). Yeshua specifically cautioned two people to "sin no more," first the invalid healed at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:14), and second, the woman caught in adultery (John 8:11).

The command to cease sinning or to avoid sinning (cf. 1Cor 15:34; Eph 4:26; 1Tim 5:20) contradicts the assumption by some Christians that they must sin in thought, word and deed every day. This faulty assumption is antithetical to being a disciple. (See my commentary on Romans 6:1). Paul's description of the divine goal expresses the gradual change until followers of Yeshua have the family likeness of sons of God. This conformity will only reach its perfection in the resurrection (1Th 3:13; 5:23).

Based on the example of the Twelve (Luke 6:13; 8:1) and the Seventy (Luke 10:1) being a disciple is more significant that being a believer in Yeshua. Indeed, we may say that while all disciples are believers, not all believers are disciples. When a person is a believer the focus is having peace with God and participating in the means of grace. The immature believer is concerned primarily with his own needs and the needs of his family. A believer may donate money to offerings, but resist total consecration of the "pocket book."

As the believer matures, the call of discipleship motivates the focus to shift to the needs of others, particularly their need of salvation. Maturity accepts the biblical call of tithing, as well as sacrificial giving to support evangelism and outreach to the lost. The personal prayer life becomes less concerned about Self and more intercessory to lift the needs of others to God as well as to appeal for God's intervention in saving grace. Transitioning from believer to disciple especially means the focus is on Yeshua, the one whom we are called to follow and be like.

The Commission

"19 Having gone, therefore, disciple all the nations, immersing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things whatever I commanded you." (Matt 28:18-20 BR).

""Having gone into all the world proclaim the good news to all creation." (Mark 16:15 BR)

46 "Thus it is written, the Messiah was to suffer and to rise from death the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins to be proclaimed in his name into all the nations, having begun from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24:46-48 BR)

"Peace to you; just as the Father has sent me I also am sending you." (John 20:21 BR)

"but you will receive power, the Holy Spirit having come upon you; and you will be witnesses of me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and as far as the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8 BR)

Context

The "Great Commission," as the instruction is commonly known, is Yeshua's final instruction to his apostles before ascending to heaven. In Matthew the commission occurs in Galilee and closes the book. In Mark, Luke and John the commission occurs in the upper room in Jerusalem. Given the setting the Messianic directive is a unique unrepeatable event like Pentecost, but it established Yeshua's mission order that would guide the Yeshua movement into the future.

Going

In Matthew and Mark the first word in the commission is a participle, rather than an imperative as it is translated in most Bible versions. The participle is a particular device in Hebraic writing of a hortatory nature. The participle anticipates the "going" that would occur after Pentecost in fulfillment of the commission given in the upper room (John 20:21). As recorded in the book of Acts the "going" took the apostles initially to the Temple and then to the synagogues of Jerusalem, as well as private homes. The destination of the going is given in geographical terms, since Yeshua intended the message of the good news to be extended beyond Jerusalem.

The apostles initially interpreted the command of Yeshua as only applicable to Jewish people. The good news would be taken to Gentiles only upon the specific command of the Spirit in Acts 10. Mark's version adds the reference, "to all creation," which indicates Yeshua's original intent of non-discrimination. In a special sense "creation" (Grk. ktsis) refers to an orderly system or arrangement produced by humans, i.e., human institutions (cf. 1Pet 2:13). In other words, all humans were to receive the good news and no human institution was to be left untouched by the heavenly message. The apostles were not expected to compartmentalize their lives into sacred and secular.

Immersing

After calling for repentance and providing assurance of forgiveness the apostles were to require immersion in water of those who responded favorably to the message. Christian versions use the term "baptism." The practice was established with Peter's first sermon (Acts 2:38) and became an external sign of inward trust just as confessing with the mouth (Rom 10:10). Four important elements characterized the immersion practiced by the Jewish apostles.

● Immersion was conducted in a body of water deep enough that by squatting the penitent was fully submerged.

● Immersion was self-immersion. No one needed to assist the penitent under the water for it to be valid. The apostle superintended the immersions and served as a witness to their completion.

● Immersion was gender-specific. That is, men were not present when women immersed and vice versa for the sake of modesty. Moreover, no Jewish man would put his hands on a woman who was not his wife.

● Immersion was not performed by individuals under bar/bat mitzvah age when a boy or girl became fully accountable to the Torah. Only those who repented, i.e. adults, immersed themselves.

Unlike the later development in Christianity "baptism" by the apostles held no sacramental significance. That is, immersion itself did not convey salvation grace, but testified of salvation having been received and the life sanctified for the Messiah. Immersion was the gateway into a relationship of grace with the Creator and membership in the Messianic community. For more information on the practice of immersion in the apostolic era see Ron Moseley The Jewish Background of Christian Baptism.

Making Disciples

The verb "make disciples" illustrates the principle that disciples are made, not born. To disciple implies a period of instruction or training in not only biblical knowledge but biblical virtues. Making a disciple fosters spiritual formation. The apostles engaged in a course of study with Yeshua that lasted almost three years. Another example of this training is the year of instruction that Barnabas and Paul gave new believers in Syrian Antioch so that at the end of that time they were true disciples (Acts 11:26). Making disciples is not a matter of commanding behavior from the pulpit; it requires an investment of time. Properly speaking a disciple is made by another disciple (Eph 4:11-12), one who is an example, one who can say "imitate me" (cf. 1Cor 4:16; 11:1; 1Th 1:6; Heb 13:7).

Teaching to Observe

The verb "teaching" (a present participle) denotes a continuing personal and verbal instruction, whether privately or in a group setting. In Scripture this important verb does not intend communication merely of historical facts, but instruction in how to live (e.g., Deut 11:19; 20:18). The apostles' teaching (Acts 2:42) shared the life and deeds of Yeshua, but more importantly his expectations of disciples.

The subjects of the teaching ("them") are the believers who were immersed. The verb "to observe" (a present infinitive) may refer to the obligation (1) to maintain something in a secure state, to preserve unchanged; or (2) to be in compliance in regard to instruction. In this context the verbal phrase no doubt included both elements. The apostles would preserve the teachings of Yeshua (cf. John 14:26) and from them pass on Yeshua's expectations of his followers.

All things whatever I commanded

The adjective "all" doesn't leave any out, and the correlative pronoun "whatever" signifies "as many as." The verb "commanded" alludes to instances when Yeshua gave instructions of an ethical, moral or religious nature that set forth his clear expectations. The commands applicable to all disciples would not include specific directions Yeshua gave his apostles in a variety of situations, such as distributing loaves and fish. In addition, some instructions were given in parabolic form, which should not be interpreted literalistically, such as cutting off one's hand (Matt 5:30).

The Midrash on the Mount (Matt 5—7) and the Midrash on the Plain (Luke 6:20-49) taken together could be called "The Manual of Discipleship." Since the teaching in these portions of Scripture were intended for Yeshua's disciples (Luke 6:20), then it is the disciples that receive the kingdom blessings (Matt 5:3-11). In this teaching containing over 50 commands or entreaties Yeshua set forth the ethical guidelines that govern his kingdom.

Many Christians like to believe that Yeshua canceled the commandments given to Israel, but authority of the Torah is reiterated many times (Matt 5:17-19; 15:3; 19:1-9, 17-19; 22:36-40; John 14:15, 21; 15:10-12). Yeshua himself lived in obedience to Torah commandments (cf. Matt 5:17-20; 19:17; 22:16; 27:19; Luke 23:47; John 7:18; 8 :29; 2Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 1Jn 2:1), so he also expected his disciples to obey the ethical commandments given to Israel through Moses. Yeshua not only affirmed the authority of Torah, but also emphasized the intent behind Torah commandments.

For example, he pointed out that the prohibition of murder implies that anger against a brother invites divine judgment (Matt 5:21-22). God expects the disciple to be devoted to reconciling broken relationships (Matt 5:23-26). Coveting another man's wife is equivalent to actual adultery and God will not ignore unjust divorces to take someone else's wife (Matt 5:27-32). God expects disciples to keep their word without the necessity of making oaths (Matt 5:33-37). A disciple must leave justice to God and seek to fulfill the command to love one's neighbor, even when the neighbor acts like an enemy (Matt 5:38-48).

Disciples of Yeshua are to be the salt and light of the world (Matt 5:12-16), as a testimony of the nature of God and the abundant life He desires to bring to people on the basis of conformity to the Torah (Matt 5:17-19). In order to accomplish this mission the disciple-makers must themselves live by Torah values. Yeshua said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you remain in my word, you are truly my disciples." (John 8:31 BR). Disciples, as sons of Abraham, are distinguished by their continuing faithfulness in obeying the instructions of Yeshua (cf. Gen 26:5; Gal 3:7; Rev 12:17; 14:12).

Unfortunately, many modern Christians tend to pick and choose which of Yeshua's commandments they will obey and even reject apostolic instructions as being culturally influenced. Some Christians wrongly interpret any teaching about obedience to God's commands as legalism. See my article Law vs. Legalism. In truth the obedience of divinely inspired instructions is what separates modern "Christians" from disciples. For further study see my commentary on the Midrash on the Mount beginning with Matthew 5; as well as my article The Guidance of Paul.

The Cross

"If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and let him take up his cross and follow me." (Matt 16:24 BR) parallel Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23

"Whoever does not carry his cross and come after me is not able to be my disciple." (Luke 14:27 BR) parallel: Matt 10:38

The third principle represents the greatest challenge to discipleship. The word "cross" (Grk. stauros) can mean the complete execution stake used in crucifixion or just the "cross-beam." Crucifixion was a horrific method of capital punishment used by the Romans and Yeshua died by this means after being tried by Pontius Pilate. For a description of crucifixion see my comment on Mark 15:13. Yeshua willingly surrendered his life to be a sacrifice, specifically a sacrifice to atone for sin (John 1:29; 2Cor 5:21; 1Pet 3:18).

Yeshua carried only the cross-beam to Golgotha (John 19:17), so this is the imagery Yeshua had in mind when he said to "take up the cross." Carrying the cross-beam to the place of execution anticipated eventual suffering and death. Luke's version of the command inserts the word "daily" (Luke 9:23) to emphasize that the command does not denote a one time occurrence, but a continual characteristic of discipleship. Paul alluded to this principle when he said "I die daily" (1Cor 15:31). Yeshua's challenge to take up one's cross, i.e., "follow me and die," could have many points of application, as considered in the following issues.

Self-Denial

"If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me." (Mark 8:34; parallel Matt 16:24)

"The one loving his soul loses it; and the one hating his soul in this world will keep it into eternal life." (John 12:25 BR)

"I have been crucified with Messiah; and no longer I live, but Messiah lives in me; and that which I now live in the flesh I live in faithfulness, that of the Son of God, the one having loved me and having given up himself up for me." (Gal 2:20 BR)

"Now those of Messiah Yeshua have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Gal 5:24 BR)

"But may it never be for me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." (Gal 6:14 BR)

The verb "deny" literally means "to say no to." In this context the denial is directed against one's self. The concept of self-denial is often associated with asceticism, which focuses on denial of pleasure to the body, whether food, sex or accumulation of possessions. Some Jewish ascetics promoted vegetarianism and refraining from marriage, which Paul strongly condemned (1Tim 4:3). The most common form of self-denial among Jews was fasting. The root idea behind fasting is to humble oneself before God (cf. Lev 23:26). Fasting was a regular religious practice in Jewish culture with prescribed days on the calendar (Zech 7:3-5; 8:19). The general guidelines for observing a fast may be found in the Talmud Tractate Ta'anith.

Of interest is that although Yeshua fasted (Matt 4:2) he never commanded his disciples to fast. He assumed his apostles as observant Jews would fast (Matt 9:15) and he provided guidance on how to fast (Matt 6:16-18). The apostolic letters contain no instruction about fasting, but fasting was practiced by the apostles and congregations (Acts 9:9-12; 13:2-3; 14:23). Among the early disciples fasting was not done to impress God (Luke 18:12) or to afflict the body (Col 2:23). The denial of food was to make time for more intercessory prayer to accomplish a spiritual goal. See my article Fasting.

The self-denial Yeshua had in mind was primarily the surrender of one's own interests for the will of God (Php 2:21; Col 1:10) or for the sake of another (Php 2:4-8). Denial of self is at the heart of the conflict between "flesh" and "Spirit," as Paul sets forth in Romans 8. For Paul the "flesh" is not the sinful nature, but simply self-oriented desire in contrast to the will of God. "Flesh" also represents human nature or human weakness over against God's nature and power. The "flesh" is concerned about safety and security, but sometimes God wants the disciple to risk these things for the good of the Kingdom.

When Yeshua advocated "hating oneself" he was not implying self-abuse. Rather, he meant the verb in the Hebraic sense of loving less. We are to love ourselves less than we love God, so that Yeshua is first in our affections and commitment. Giving God first place also means saying no to the values and expectations of the world (Jas 4:4; 1Jn 2:15). The world vilifies biblical values, pressures believers to accommodate perversion and wickedness, and seeks to remove godly values from the public domain. The disciple stands firm against the tide of opposition and does not allow the world to determine his ethics and morality.

Love of Brothers

"By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you should have love among one another." (John 13:35 BR)

"In this we have known love, that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives on behalf of our brothers. 17 But whoever might have the resources of the world, and might see his brother having need and might close his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 Little children, we should not love in word or the tongue, but in action and truth." (1Jn 3:16 BR)

An important area of sacrifice is to give or sell possessions in order to give to the care of the poor and needy (Luke 12:33; Acts 4:32-35), especially widows and orphans of (Acts 6:1-6; Jas 1:27), with priority given to those in the household of faith (Gal 6:10). When John said "brothers" in his letter he meant fellow believing Israelites, but also believing Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas practiced this principle by collecting funds to send to Judean disciples due to crop failure and famine (Acts 11:27-30). Paul also organized other relief efforts for Messianic Jews in Jerusalem and Judea (Rom 15:26; 1Cor 8:1-4; 9:1-5; Acts 24:17).

It is noteworthy that the only recorded "compassionate ministry" carried out by the apostles was for the benefit of Jewish disciples in the land of Israel. Yeshua declared in his Olivet Discourse that when he returns he will judge people on the basis of whether they served the needs of his brethren the Jews (Matt 25:34-41). Discipleship includes a call to bless Messianic Jewish congregations and ministries in Israel that serve the needy.

Family Relations

"34 Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man's enemies will be the members of his household. 37 He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me." (Matt 10:34-38)

Yeshua's reality check would have been shocking to Jewish ears. In a culture where loyalty to family and clan was paramount, Yeshua makes it clear that God's will must always be a disciple's priority, even if it contradicts the desires of one's family. Yeshua could speak from personal experience (cf. Mark 3:21, 31-34). The parallel passage in Luke calls for "hating" family members (Luke 14:26), but in that context the verb has the Hebraic sense of loving less. For example, Jacob loved Leah less than Rachel (Gen 29:30; cf. Deut 21:15-17).

Yeshua also recognized that choosing to accept him as Messiah and Savior would divide families into believers and unbelievers, which could lead to loss of family unity and even loss of inheritance (cf. Php 3:8; Heb 10:34). On one occasion Yeshua issued his call to follow and the man replied, "Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father." But Yeshua said to him, "Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God."

On another occasion a man responding to Yeshua's invitation said, "I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home." But Yeshua said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:59-62). These anecdotes illustrate that when Yeshua calls the believer to discipleship, family loyalty may need to be sacrificed.

Possessions

"None of you can be my disciple who does not give up all his own possessions." (Luke 14:33)

Another area that often separates the disciple from the believer is the wallet. The sacrifice in the area of finances can take two forms. First, God calls the disciple to give sacrificially, beginning with the tithe and then free-will offerings to support Kingdom ministry. Many believers object to tithing, because it is required in the Law received by Moses and Yeshua supposedly canceled the Law. (He didn't.) In reality, tithing predated the laws given at Sinai in the example of Abraham who gave a tenth to Melchizedek (Gen 14:20; Heb 7:1-2), who is a type of Yeshua (Heb 5:6, 10; 6:20). If believers in Yeshua are sons of Abraham (Gal 3:7), then they should follow Abraham's example. Moreover, Yeshua affirmed the obligation of tithing (Matt 23:23). Unwillingness to tithe is not only stinginess, but disobedience of God's will.

Second, the willingness to sacrifice possessions demonstrates genuine commitment to Yeshua. A person cannot serve the accumulation of wealth and God at the same time (Matt 6:24; cf. 1Tim 6:10, 17)). The rich young ruler was not willing to surrender his possessions to be a disciple (Matt 19:21-22). The sacrifice may result from the call to vocational ministry. Simon Peter sacrificed his livelihood through fishing to follow Yeshua (Matt 19:27). Many of those in full-time ministry began by leaving the security of their secular job to serve the Lord. Another form of sacrifice is to sell one's possessions or set aside earnings and donate the money to Kingdom work, such as supporting evangelistic work or purchasing of Bibles for distribution.

The disciple recognizes God's ownership of all he possesses and that he has a stewardship responsibility for God's property as depicted in the parable of the talents (Matt 25:14-30). The parable depicts the Lord conducting an audit when he returns, making us accountable for the measure of wealth and prosperity distributed to us. How does the Lord expect us to use these resources? God has not given the ability to create wealth (Deut 8:18) just to have larger portfolios, build bigger houses, buy more expensive cars or spend on hobbies and entertainments. Investing in spreading the good news of the Kingdom is the most important use of our money and the percentage of our wealth donated to the Kingdom should reflect that priority. How might the Master react if someone failed to invest in his Kingdom work?

Persecution and Martyrdom

"38 You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evildoer. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him also the other. 40 And the one wanting to sue you and to take your shirt, let him also have your coat. 41 Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 43 You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:43-45 TLV)

"Behold, I am sending to you prophets and wise men and scribes. From them you will kill and you will crucify, and from them you will flog in your synagogues and you will persecute from town to town." (Matt 23:34 BR)

"Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name. (Matt 24:9 BR)

"No one has greater love than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13 BR)

"Remember the word that I spoke to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." (John 15:20 BR)

"7 But whatever things were gain to me, these I have considered as loss for the sake of the Messiah. … 10 My aim is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the sharing of His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death— 11 if somehow I might arrive at the resurrection from among the dead." (Php 3:7, 10-11 TLV)

"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they loved not their life even to death." (Rev 12:11 BR)

Perhaps the most difficult area of discipleship is the instruction of Yeshua to forego revenge for mistreatment and respond to hostility with love and prayer. Many believers would insist that God didn't intend for his people to be doormats. Yet, a true disciple knows that living by the principles of Scripture will meet resistance and hostility from the world. Before his murder in 1956 at the hands of Auca Indians, the missionary Jim Elliot wrote in his diary, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose" (Cowles 98).

The Greek verb "love" (Grk. agapaō) means to have such an interest in another that one wishes to contribute to the other's well-being, even if it means making a personal sacrifice to do so. The cross represented to Yeshua the Father's call to provide atonement for God's enemies by an excruciating and sacrificial death (Rom 5:10). Even from the cross Yeshua cried out for the Father to forgive his executioners (Luke 23:34). To take up the cross and follow Yeshua means responding to personal enemies in the same manner. Indeed the disciple is called to pursue peace with all people (Rom 14:19; Heb 12:14; 1Pet 3:11).

Yeshua warned his disciples that the enemy would not stop with his death (John 15:20), so the disciple, considering the Savior's death and atonement to be of greater value than mere temporal life, maintains loyalty to the Savior in the face of trials. This is how the early disciples left their mark on history as thousands were burned, crucified, thrown to wild beasts or endured other atrocities only limited by the cruel imaginations of their persecutors, but remained firm in their faith in and allegiance to Yeshua. So it will be until Yeshua comes.

Conclusion

There is no greater calling than to be a disciple of Yeshua, to learn from him and to imitate him in character and conduct. To be a disciple in a world hostile to living by biblical values requires courage and chutzpah. Unlike most believers a disciple does not hide his identity, but serves as an open witness of Yeshua in word and deed. The disciple takes such commitment very seriously and for the sake of the Kingdom of God invests his time, talent and treasure in the great enterprise of making more disciples.

Works Cited

BAG: Walter Bauer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. trans. W.F. Arndt & F.W. Gingrich. The University of Chicago Press, 1957.

Cowles: C.S. Cowles, "At Any Cost," Adult Bible Fellowship Leader (WordAction Publishing Company), Vol. 25, No. 1, 98.

Danker: Frederick William Danker, The Concise Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. The University of Chicago Press, 2009.

DNTT: Dictionary of New Testament Theology, 3 vols., ed. Colin Brown. Zondervan Pub. House, 1975.

Jastrow: Marcus Jastrow, Dictionary of Targumim, Talmud and Midrashic Literature. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1903, 1926. Online.

JVL: Jewish Virtual Library. American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, 2014.

Kasdan: Barney Kasdan, Matthew Presents Yeshua, King Messiah: A Messianic Commentary. Lederer Books, 2011.

Stern: David Stern, Jewish New Testament Commentary. Jewish New Testament Publications, 1996.