The word disciple means learner or student. It does not imply a static state. It implies someone who is growing, improving, reaching, stretching.
Fundamentally, the word disciple means learner or student. This is interesting because no one ever aspires to be a student. Many are students for a long time, but, for us, student is means to an end. We want to be a student so that we can be a doctor, lawyer candlestick maker. No one wants us to be a student permanently. But Jesus called us to be permanently in the classroom. It does not imply a static state. It implies someone who is growing, improving, reaching, stretching.
Disciple also means follower because in Jesus’s day it was popular for a teacher to walk around while his students literally followed them as they walked. They would ask questions and dialogue as they walked along together. A disciple is one who follows Christ, who walks in His ways and seeks to imitate Him. A disciple is one who goes where Jesus is going.