Thank you for the question on discipleship from Luke, “Based on Luke 22:26 and 9:60-62, what does discipleship mean?”
Before one seeks to define the meaning of discipleship, I cite the broader passage so that one can understand the context of the verses.
Luke 22 says this, “A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (NIV).
Luke 9 says this, “As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (NIV).
Here are some thoughts on discipleship from Luke 22 and Luke 9:
A. The word, disciple, means a student, a learner (Lk. 9:59b).
The word, disciple, means a person who sits at the feet of a teacher. That person has limited knowledge or skills. Thus for that person to acquire more knowledge or skill, s/he must learn from someone who is more knowledgeable or skilled than oneself. The disciple has an open heart and mind to receive instructions.
B. The word, disciple, means commitment to the teacher (Lk. 9:61–62).
The word, disciple, means a person who commits time and energy to learning from the teacher. That person is willing to forego the conveniences or comfort of life. S/he is not easily distracted or changes one’s mind because it becomes too hard or difficult. The disciple follows the instruction of the teacher and does not deviate from the teacher’s words. The disciple is submissive and conforms to the instructions.
C. The word, disciple, transcends age, gender, or social status (Lk. 22:24–25).
The word, disciple, applies to a person regardless of one’s age, gender or social status. The person’s wealth and position in life doesn’t elevate that person to be equal or better than the teacher or other learners. The disciple is humble without pride before the teacher and to others.
D. The word, disciple, means to serve (Lk. 22:27).
The word, disciple, means mastery over a subject, but the attitude is one of serving others. At some point of learning, the student may know or be able to perform the skill as the teacher. The teacher recognizes the achievements and honors the student. He is not one of the “masters” of that skill or knowledge and is able to teach others. As the teacher was patient in serving him/her, then that trained student is to follow his teacher’s attitude and training. The disciple is a servant to others who wants to learn from him/her.
SUMMARY: A disciple emulates the attitude and actions of his/her teacher.