DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE PROOF OF DISCIPLESHIP

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE PROOF OF DISCIPLESHIP

"Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed." (John 8:31)

How do we know a true disciple of Jesus? There is a way – if that person "abides" in the words of Jesus – that is, if he or she lives according to Jesus' teaching.

There are many who claim to be followers of Jesus, but their lives belie the fact that they are not really one of His disciples. As Jesus Himself said, " 'Why do you call Me "Lord, Lord" and do not do the things which I say?' " (Luke 6:46). Being a disciple is more than just mouthing some words. Discipleship demands following the words of the Master.

Jesus said, " 'Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?" And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you practice lawlessness." ' " (Matthew 7:21-23)

Writing many years later, the Apostle John wrote, "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him" (I John 2:3-4).

One of Jesus' commandments is to "Go … and make disciples" (Matthew 28:19). It is difficult to make disciples if I myself am not a disciple. A true disciple endeavors and purposes in his heart to follow his teacher. That is the mark or evidence of a disciple.

Love, Dad