I remember being in a Bible study once when the teacher pulled out a book about discipleship and read ten or so characteristics of a disciple. They were things like being holy and devoted and knowledgeable and all that. They sounded nothing like the characteristics of the disciples in the Bible. The author was well meaning, of course, but it’s no doubt tempting to hang a carrot in front of people telling them they have to “become” in order to be used by God rather than admitting they actually “become” while they are in the process of being used by God. It’s an important paradigm shift for all of us because otherwise we’d be too intimidated to take the first step.
Here are some actual characteristics of the disciples I think we can safely trust. If you resonate with any of these, you’re in a good spot and likely following Jesus:
1. You think Jesus wants to take over the government so you cut off a soldiers ear in order to get the fighting started. (The neo cons are definitely disciples!)
2. You keep pestering Jesus about who he will give more power to in heaven.
3. You have no theological training but own a small fishing business which somehow makes you qualified because you “get it.”
4. The Holy Spirit crashes into one of your mini sermons so everybody can speak different languages and outsiders think you’re drunk.
5. People ask you if you know Jesus and you freak out and say no and run away.
6. You hear they killed Jesus on a cross and you figure the whole thing was a wash and you got duped.
7. You choose other disciples by playing rock, paper scissors.
8. You teach bad theology and have to have somebody else come over and correct you.
So there you go. My guess is there’s a place in there for you. So if you’re confused about theology or power hungry or just an average idiot, take the first step. You’ll get sorted out along the way. The disciples “became” some pretty great guys in the end.
…and that is why I keep reading your blog. Perfect. I guess I can be way more neurotic and conflicted, sweet!
Wow. Great blog! I also loved your review of “Love Wins.” Keep ‘em coming!
This is excellent… wish I’d have found this blog sooner.
Brilliant! I am officially qualified.
[...] few days I read this humorous and somewhat challenging post by Donald Miller discussing the real characteristics of Jesus’ disciples. Here’s his list of [...]
[...] Don Miller posted on his blog 8 Characteristics of a Disciple: Here are some actual characteristics of the disciples I think we [...]
Haha…love it!
All of these “characteristics” (except #4) happened before the Holy Spirit had come upon the Disciples. These men were changed after the events of Pentecost…a point I think you chose to overlook. Peter who denied Christ ends up proclaiming the Gospel for the rest of his life and tell us to always be ready to defend our faith (1 Pet. 3:15). It sounds like you are saying we should be like the disciples before they had been changed rather than after. We have been given the Holy Spirit and as believers it should make us live different and better lives. Also about #7-that was just a practice of their day-and it’s also an excellent picture of how the old man (Judas) is replaced with the new man (Matthias). Or…even possibly the old disciples with the new.
Jamsey, I understand where you’re coming from, but I think you might have missed Donald’s point here: these men behaved in this way while they were in fact “disciples.” Immaturity or petty behavior did not disqualify them from walking in the dust of the Master. After Pentecost, they were indeed changed men–but it could be argued that they were no longer “disciples” in the ancient sense of the word. A disciple (speaking literally, not ‘spiritually’), was one who is learning and studying under another. After Jesus left, these “disciples” became “apostles”, each no doubt with their own groups of disciples. This gives us hope in our own endeavor to be a “disciple” of Jesus today. But your point is well taken–as we grow and become filled with the Spirit, we should certainly mature passed our pettiness.
Like many people in the days of Jesus, you missed the point too!
It’s also interesting to consider that before the Glorious events at Pentecost, Jesus told his disciples that he considered them friends.
[...] few days I read this humorous and somewhat challenging post by Donald Miller discussing the real characteristics of Jesus’ disciples. Here’s his list of [...]
[...] http://donmilleris.com/2011/03/29/ten-characteristics-of-a-disciple/ [...]
[...] the combox below by number. The answers may surprise you. Then head on over and read the whole post at Don’s blog.Update: The Horror! This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.← To Turn [...]
Great blog – love your humor and perspective in getting the message across!
I remember reading this back in March. I believe I wrote those qualities down. I greatly enjoy your writing and perspective. It is refreshing and challenges me to dig deeper.
Can’t wait to see what the other two characteristics are!
Funny post. Makes a good point.
And then their were magically eight characteristics!
Occupy movement – def Jesus disciples
Dude…
And to top it off, you stopped at eight! Yer killin’ me here…
However, nice counterpoint to folks who believe in absolute perfection as a requirement for being a “disciple.”
great post! I was laughing as I read it, but apparently not loud enough to drown out the Lord telling me, “I told you so”…I feel convicted and yet I’m still smiling. huh…well done!
dude, this totally made me happy… Thanks!
Beautiful. #5 made me laugh so hard… It’s totally something I could see happen.
Some disciples can’t even count.
Right On!!!
Love it. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll shamelessly post these on my blog, too. You might be interested in my “Weird Sayings of Jesus” series…Best, Kristina
Yeah, and then on the road to Emmaus, Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Yeah, you tell’em, Don. Love this.