The difference between these two roles is slim, yet vast. Both are to learn from a master, to pick up the skills required to do what the teacher does. Both learn from observing and being in the presence of the one who has experience and wisdom. Both are focused on become craftsmen in the field in which the master is well known.
But an apprentice does it with the focus on earning wages. The time spent in apprenticeship leads to knowledge and wisdom in all facets of the trade. Not only must he understand how to build the finished product, whether a chair, a hydraulic pipeline, or a website, but he must understand all the factors leading to it. An apprentice also knows how to obtain materials, care for his tools, and run the business.
But discipleship goes further. Not only does the disciple focus on what the master or teacher does. Rather, much time is devoted to why, to beliefs.
Our modern view of education can focus merely on collecting knowledge. But this has not always been the case. Christ's discipleship meant that the student became like the master. Not simply in knowledge or awareness, but rather in thinking, in character. And most importantly, in action.
Christ had strong words for those who had knowledge that resulted in no action. Hypokritēs … hypocrite. Knowledge without action is empty, hollow.
Let each of us learn with the end goal of applying our knowledge so that others benefit from our expertise.
