Customs and Practices of Discipleship
In the time of the New Testament, discipleship was more than a role—it was a way of life, rooted in the religious and cultural fabric of Jewish tradition. The connection between a rabbi and their disciples extended beyond the walls of the synagogue or the confines of scheduled instruction. It shaped every aspect of a disciple’s daily existence. Understanding the customs and practices that defined this relationship opens a window into the depth of commitment and the nature of spiritual formation in Jesus’ day.
Traditionally, the path to becoming a disciple, or talmid (Hebrew: תַּלְמִיד), was a highly selective process. Aspiring disciples sought out well-known rabbis, teachers who had gained respect for their wisdom and interpretation of the Torah. These hopeful students would approach the rabbi and ask for the opportunity to follow him, requesting not just intellectual instruction, but a full immersion in the rabbi’s life and values. This request was not granted lightly. Rabbis would examine the candidate’s sincerity, capacity for learning, and willingness to submit to a demanding journey of transformation.
Jesus, however, approached discipleship in a profoundly different way. Rather than waiting for students to come to Him, He called them out directly. In Matthew 4:18–22 and Luke 5:27–28, Jesus personally invited fishermen like Peter and Andrew, and even a tax collector like Levi, to follow Him. This inversion of tradition demonstrated Jesus’ initiative and inclusivity. His invitation reached beyond the socially acceptable or religiously elite, extending grace to ordinary individuals and making it clear that the call to discipleship was available to all who would respond.
Once a disciple had accepted the call, their daily life became one of total immersion. Disciples did not merely attend occasional lessons or religious services. They traveled with their rabbi, lodged with him, ate meals at his side, and observed how he interacted with people and situations. This constant proximity turned every moment into a learning opportunity. Much of this learning came not from formal teaching, but from watching how the rabbi lived—how he responded to conflict, showed compassion, practiced prayer, and embodied the Scriptures. The disciple’s task was to observe, absorb, and eventually imitate.
In this arrangement, disciples were also often dependent on their rabbi for sustenance. With no income of their own during this time of learning, they relied either on the rabbi’s provisions or on the hospitality of others. This dependence taught them to trust not only their rabbi but also God’s provision through the community.
A number of customs underscored the humility and attentiveness expected of disciples. One such practice was walking behind the rabbi, a physical posture that communicated respect and a willingness to follow, both literally and symbolically. Disciples listened attentively to every word their rabbi spoke, often committing teachings to memory for later repetition. Asking questions was also encouraged—not for the sake of challenging authority, but to deepen understanding and internalize the lessons being taught. In the Gospels, we frequently see Jesus welcoming these questions and using them as springboards for deeper revelation, such as in Matthew 13:36 or Mark 10:10.
Shared meals held special significance in the rabbi-disciple relationship. Meals were not only moments of rest and nourishment but also sacred opportunities for instruction and fellowship. For Jesus, meals became occasions for spiritual teaching, grace, and inclusion. He taught at meals, revealed truths about the Kingdom of God, and ultimately established the sacred practice of communion during the Last Supper (Luke 22:19–20). He also subverted social expectations by dining with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5:29–32), showing that the table of God’s Kingdom was open to all.
Yet discipleship came with a cost. Following a rabbi meant leaving behind familiar comforts—family ties, careers, ambitions. Jesus did not downplay the price. In Luke 14:26–27, He challenges potential disciples to place Him above every other allegiance, even those closest to their hearts. Trusting God for daily provision and enduring hardship was part of the journey. Jesus’ disciples often faced resistance, rejection, and trials, but these experiences shaped their faith and deepened their dependence on the Lord.
Though the customs of ancient discipleship were specific to their time and place, the heart of the practice remains relevant for today’s followers of Jesus. Modern discipleship is no less immersive. It involves intentionally walking with Christ through prayer, Scripture, community, and obedience. It invites believers to live closely aligned with Jesus—listening for His voice, learning from His ways, and sharing life with others in His name.
By embracing the spirit of these ancient practices, Christians today can rediscover the vibrancy of true discipleship. The call to follow Jesus is not a one-time decision, but a daily invitation to walk in His steps with devotion, humility, and joy.
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