I appreciate where you're coming from, Untellectual...
That which defines a disciple was offered by Jesus between John 8:12, and John 8:47, with particular interest in John 8:31 KJV, and John 8:32 KJV. Only between these verses did Jesus ever illuminate HIS door into discipleship, those who Scripturally discern His divinity. Jesus was affirming His divinity to those seeking his crucifixion (John 8:37 KJV. Some believed Jesus (John 8:30), and Jesus momentarily directed His attention to his believers when He said John 8:31 KJV, and John 8:32 KJV. The rest of His dialogue between John 8:12, and John 8:47 was with His detractors seeking His crucifixion.
Jesus said both He and His Father were two witnesses to His divinity (John 8:17, 19). Witnesses testify, Untellectual. Jesus' testimony was that which He "saw" while He was "with" His Father (John 8:38 KJV). His Father's testimony was that which Jesus "heard" from His Father (John 8:40 KJV).
If I may be so bold Untellectual... when one can Scripturally support Jesus' testimony, that which He "saw" with His Father; AND Scripturally support what Jesus "heard" from His Father... then, one is a "disciple indeed" (John 8:31 KJV, John 8:32 KJV).
This is the "truth shall make you free" and such is not a generalization as the multitudes suggest. Jesus mentioned the difference between believers and disciples during His exclusive dialogue with His DISCIPLES between Matthew 13:10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, concluding to His disciples:
Matthew 13:16, 17, KJV "But blessed are you eyes (disciples), for they see: and your ears, for they hear (disciples). 17) For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear and have not heard them."
Many are called, few chosen. Believers believe Jesus' divinity. Disciples Scripturally discern His divinity. These two testimonies of these two Divine witness escapes the multitudes, Untellectual. In fact, few even recognize His door into discipleship.
kayaker