Understanding the meaning of discipleship according to Jesus is crucial. A disciple generally means a student or learner under a teacher. Context is important. Christian and disciple are interchangeable terms (Acts 11:26). The disciples of Christ were ultimately Christ-like people. In other words, if you’re Jesus’ disciple, you share the lifestyle of Jesus.
Biblically, true discipleship begins immediately after following Jesus as Lord and Savior (Matt. 4:22). Jesus’ discipleship is full of suffering but many do not understand because they merely think of discipleship as a title or that it might bring prosperity and success. The Son of Man and Creator was treated worse than even the animals. Jesus’ life was full of rejection and humiliation (Jn. 1:10-11; Matt. 2:13; Lk. 9:22). What kind of life, then, should disciples of Christ expect?
Jesus implies that the true cost of discipleship warns the prospective Christian to be ready for suffering for his sake. Why did Jesus suffer when he was sinless? Sinners hated him and were hostile against him because he preached the truth by confronting their sin and unbelief (Jn. 15:22-23). Unless sinners understand the holiness of God, they will never understand their own sinfulness. Those that love their sin hate God and Christ (Jn. 15:18). If sinners fail to understand the aforementioned truths of what it means to be Jesus’ disciple, unbelievers cannot become his disciple.
Discipleship is suffering as Jesus did. But what explanation can be given to those that think following Christ will result in a better life? The teaching and life of Jesus must be known and understood so that a true disciple of Christ is properly prepared. Jesus is essentially saying if anyone desires to follow him, they must count the cost.
Jesus helps to realize what the top priority must be when they become his disciple. Knowing and understanding what his disciples must do is to know their primary function. Abraham was a great example. God told him that his purpose was to become the father of all future believers. The man who wants to bury his father (v 57) has a seemingly legitimate reason to justify delaying to follow Christ. After all, he wants to honor his parents, which is one of the Ten Commandments. God gives warning to this kind of thinking (Prov. 14:12).
Christ Jesus is relentless when he responds by saying, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead”. Jesus makes it clear what the priority must be for anyone that wishes to follow him. It sounds harsh and uncaring or even perhaps too narrow, but what is the Lord trying to say? He wants to show that the things of God are far greater than worldly matters. Burying the dead is the unbeliever’s business and not the Christians.
Many first-world country Christians confuse and compromise the calling of Christ with other “equal” or “justifiable” things in their life. Examples of universal justifications to deny the Lord’s command to follow him are health, career, relationships after kids have grown up, etc. But Christians must understand that he calls all believers to respond to his calling to proclaim the kingdom of God (i.e., the gospel of Jesus Christ). The primary job of a believer is to win souls.
The heart of a disciple has a true love for Jesus Christ. Only those that have totally surrendered to Jesus as Lord are able to love him. Without total surrender, true salvation never takes place by the Holy Spirit. Who can deceive omniscient God? Total surrender requires the Christian to forsake all for the Lord Jesus Christ no matter what the circumstance may be (Lk. 14:26). And the Christian understands that suffering experienced in this life reap rewards in eternity for the glory of God.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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