The call to follow Jesus also meant a call to discipleship that required that the twelve come under His leadership. No longer would they independently decide the direction their lives would take. Instead, they would submit to Him with the commitment that where He led they would follow. WORD WEALTH The root word for disciple is manthano (man–than–o), which means: to learn, or be taught (Matt. 9:13; 11:29; 24:32); to learn by practice or experience, acquire a custom or habit (Phil. 4:11; 1 Tim.