I've been reading the New Testament recently, and I'd like to ask you a question. What exactly was a disciple? Was a disciple different from an ordinary believer in Jesus? — Mrs. W.W.

First, let me encourage you to keep reading the New Testament. Not only will you discover the facts about Jesus' life and ministry in its pages, but you will also discover something even greater: what Christ has done for you so that you can come to know God.

A disciple in the Bible was someone who decided to become an active follower of Jesus. A disciple believed that Jesus was who He said He was: the divine Son of God who came to save us from our sins. A disciple also was convinced that Jesus' teachings were true and should be obeyed. In other words, a disciple was both a learner and a follower of Jesus. Any person could become a disciple regardless of gender, race, or social standing.

But disciples weren't limited to the first century. Jesus no longer walks this earth as He did then—but He still calls us to become His disciples. Then—as now—many people were only casual believers. But His words are just as important today as they were almost 2,000 years ago: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23).

Why should you commit yourself to Christ and become His disciple? Because He came down from heaven to die for your sins on the cross, and He rose again from the dead so you could have eternal life. By a simple prayer of faith commit your life to Christ and become His follower today.