If someone were to ask you what is a disciple of Jesus and how can I become a disciple, what would you say in response to that question? Where would you take them in the Scripture to explain what it means to be Jesus’ disciples.
Simply put a disciple is follower or student. Disciples of Jesus are believers in Jesus. They follow Him in faith & obedience. They stay in His word and keep their eyes on Him. Disciples of Jesus are lifelong students. Jesus is their teacher. Regardless of how far along you are on your journey with Jesus it’s important to remain teachable because His followers continue to learn their entire life.
One text that I would turn to in to answer this question is John 8:31-36 where I believe Jesus gives us a glimpse of what a true is disciple is.
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:31-36 ESV
So here are some marks of a true disciple of Jesus:
A True Disciple Prioritizes Christ & His word. -John 8:31
A True Disciple Perseveres in the faith. -John 8:31
A True Disciple Perceives the truth. – John 8:32
A True Disciple Progresses in freedom. -John 8:32-36
A True Disciple Produces good fruit. -John 15:8
Jesus said that we are truly his disciples when we continue in his word. This implies that we prioritize and perservere in believing, confessing & obeying his word. He says then we will know the truth and the truth will bring freedom into our lives.
Then in John chapter 15 verse 8 Jesus said this:
8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Authentic followers of Jesus will have good fruit in their lives and that is proof of genuine discipleship. I plan to try and explain what that fruit is in the next blog post.
In light these marks of true Jesus followers would you consider yourself to be a true disciple of Jesus?
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