Discipleship is an on going process. It doesn't matter at what age uou start, it is ones ability & determination to read, study, meditate, on God's holy word. To pray, and listen to the Holy Spirit as He guides each persons life through daily living, and until they are called home to be with the Lord.

We are all disciples or learners. As followers of Jesus, we have to continue learning. The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth, but this doesn't happen instantly. Quite the contrary: We will die before we know it all. That's why it is reassuring to know that God looks on the heart. Salvation is not some sort of intelligence contest. God's power is made perfect in weakness.

Peter wasn't ready to accept a suffering Messiah, but he wasn't ready to accept a glorious Messiah, either. Mark 9 tells us that when Peter saw Jesus in glory, he was so frightened that he didn't know what to say (verse 6). Jesus told his disciples to keep the Transfiguration secret until he had risen from the dead -- and right away the disciples began discussing what "rising from the dead" meant (verses 9-10). It seems quite plain to us today, but it was a mystery o these men. They could have asked Jesus what he meant, but they did not. Instead, they discussed it among themselves, sharing their ignorance instead of learning from the Master. Sometimes modern disciples do that, too.

In verse 31, Jesus again predicted his own death and resurrection, and the disciples still didn't understand. Not only that, they were afraid to ask him! Jesus was the perfect embodiment of love and truth, but his disciples were afraid to ask him what he meant (verse 32). Perhaps they were afraid of the truth. That continues to happen to people today.

Jesus not only predicted his own death, he also said that his followers must take up their crosses and forsake all (Mark 8:34). Nevertheless, it was not long before his followers, probably thinking of a physical kingdom again, argued among themselves as to who would be the greatest. Jesus knew their thoughts and asked them about it, but they were too ashamed to answer (Mark 9:33-34). They had been acting like unconverted men.

A little later, the disciples were again amazed at what Jesus said (Mark 10:24). Jesus explained what he meant, and the disciples were even more amazed (verse 26). And soon they were astonished, and some were afraid (verse 32). How long had they been with their Teacher, and yet continued to be surprised by what he taught! They understood only a fraction of what he said, and yet they continued to follow him, because he had the words of eternal life. Their faith was not perfect, but it was enough to keep them going.

Jesus predicted that a disciple would betray him, but the disciples did not understand this seemingly plain statement. They just stared at one another (John 13:21-22). He predicted his death, and they did not understand (verses 36-37). They were filled with grief, but did not ask him what he meant (John 16:5-6). They asked each other, but none of them knew what he was talking about (verses 17-18).

They expressed their faith, but Jesus predicted that they would forsake him (verses 30-32). Peter boldly proclaimed his allegiance, and the other disciples, equally ignorant, said the same (Mark 14:31). But when left to their own strength, they fell asleep, and they did not know what to say (verse 40). They all deserted him (verse 50). Even when eyewitnesses told them that Jesus had been resurrected, still they did not believe (Mark 16:13; John 20:9).

The disciples didn't understand. They argued. They did things they shouldn't have. They didn't ask questions they should have. They were ordinary people. God uses people like that. He can use people like us, too, if our hearts and attitudes are right.

Even after Jesus' resurrection, he chided his disciples for being foolish and slow of heart to believe (Luke 24:25). "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your minds?" (verse 38). They were full of joy and amazement, but still did not believe (verse 41). They even worshiped him, but some still doubted (Matthew 28:17).

The Gospel of John gives a summary of many such situations: "At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him" (John 12:16).

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