A Disciple of Jesus
By
Shelby G. Floyd
What or who is a disciple? Jesus
made many disciples during his ministry.
The apostles and early evangelists also made many disciples after Christ
went back to heaven. What are the marks that
identify a disciple of Jesus?
A Follower of
Jesus
A disciple of Jesus is willing to deny himself by taking us his cross
and daily following the Lord, bearing whatever costs are necessary to be a
faithful follower of Christ. (Luke 9:23-26). A faithful disciple will not make
excuses, but will be obedient in all things. (Luke 14:16-24; Luke 9:57-62).
A Lover of Jesus
Christ expects his disciples to love him supremely and obey him
explicitly. "'Love the Lord your God
with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with
all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27).
He declared that if we love him we will obey his commands. (John 14:15).
A Servant of
Christ
Christ did not come to be served, but to die and give himself a ransom
for sin. Likewise he demands that his disciples become his servants and
servants of mankind. (Romans 6:15-23).
An Imitator of
Christ
A disciple or pupil of Christ is not above his teacher. He comes to his
teacher to be fully disciplined and trained and to become like his teacher: “A
student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be
like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40).
A Baptized
Believer
In the great commission Jesus commanded his disciples to make disciples
of all nations. He promised that baptized believers would be saved. (Matthew
28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). A disciple is a baptized believer. (Acts 2:37-39).
A Fruit Bearing
Christian
The disciples were called “Christians” first at Antioch in Syria (Acts
11:26). Christ expects his disciples to be faithful and bear much fruit. (John
15:8). Copyright © 2006 All Rights Reserved