The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:16-20

What is a disciple? Is it relevant at work? A disciple is a student, pupil, or learner. In the New Testament it is used for Jesus’ followers. Often references “the Twelve” but also shows a wider group of followers. This is important for our focus on our mission for Jesus at work. Are we focused on making disciples for Jesus? If not, why not?

In the New Testament, the term “disciple” is used in the Gospels and Acts. In most instances it is a technical term in reference to a follower of Jesus, although John the Baptist, the Pharisees, and Paul are also said to have disciples. In John, a group of Jews call themselves the disciples of Moses (John 9:28).

In the Gospels, Jesus creates His own group of disciples by calling individuals to follow Him. He also calls disciples that do not seem to qualify for the task (e.g., Matthew who is a tax collector—an occupation that was shunned and considered sinful in the land of Israel). At work, we follow the Way of Jesus. We are His disciples. The way we work is a clear reflection of what we learn from Jesus.

In the development of the Jesus movement at work, the term disciple becomes synonymous with those who believe and confess that Jesus is the Messiah. This is reflected in Acts, where the term regularly refers to a believer in the Messiah, regardless of whether one had known Jesus during His earthly ministry.