The Demands of Being a Disciple of Jesus

In the Gospels our Savior reveals what it means to be His disciple. In spite of the clarity and force of His words; however, they are often ignored today. The demands of discipleship are tremendous. They are astronomical. Jesus doesn’t want some or most. He wants all. According to Jesus, anything less than all, than everything, is not worthy of Him and places one’s relationship with Him in question.

As I often say in class, I understand that what Jesus wants from us as his “follower” is a lot easy to talk about that do. Especially in today’s world! But is what He tells us and we should make ever attempt to do what He says. We are blessed that we have a forgiving Savior because we will all fall short.

If we have placed repentant faith in Jesus Christ we are His disciple. Understand a disciple not just the 12 apostles/disciples!. Disciple simply means “follower”. We gave ourselves to Him in order to be like Him and to please Him. As we go over these four passages and their ramifications for daily life, we need do so prayerfully. We need to compare our present commitment to Jesus with what He says it ought to be. We need to do everything possible to dedicate ourselves to truly and faithfully following the One who gave Himself for us.

Jesus’ Disciples Renounce Control Over Their Lives and Give Control to Jesus.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

• Since I am called turn from my “selfish” ways and follow Christ, I will no longer see my time, abilities, money and possessions as mine. I will understand all I have is God’s.

• Since I am called turn from my “selfish” ways and follow Christ, I will budget my time and energy in such a way that I can significantly serve the Lord in His church and invest myself in those who are in bondage to sin.

• Since I am called turn from my “selfish” ways and follow Christ, I will be careful not to waste my time on sinful or earthly things, or on things that have no eternal value.

• Since I am called turn from my “selfish” ways and follow Christ, I will live within my means and not live extravagantly.

• Since I am called turn from my “selfish” ways and follow Christ, I will give faithfully and sacrificially to the Lord’s work in our church and in mission works around the world.

• Since I am called turn from my “selfish” ways and follow Christ, I will teach my children, by example and careful instruction, to give their lives wholly to the Lord.

• Since I am called turn from my “selfish” ways and follow Christ, I recognize that my greatest joy on earth will be found in fulfilling that calling.

Jesus’ Disciples Love Him With Unmatched Affection and Passion.

“If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26-27)

• I cannot be Jesus’ disciple unless pleasing Him is more important than pleasing others, including myself. That means I am constantly asking myself “Is Jesus pleased by this?” “Is Jesus honored by this?”

• I cannot be Jesus’ disciple if I am motivated by the fear of men and if the opinion of others matters more to me than the opinion of God.

• I cannot be Jesus’ disciple unless I relish and savor Him more than any earthly being; unless Jesus is the focal point of my spiritual eyes. Such a focus will enable me to love others as Christ loves them.

• I cannot be Jesus’ disciple unless Jesus means more to me than people; unless Jesus’ glory means more to me than anything.

Jesus’ Disciples Sit At His Feet to Learn and Obey His Wisdom.

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.” (John 8:31)

• Because I am Jesus’ disciple, I set myself at His feet each day by prayerfully studying the Scriptures.

• Because I am Jesus’ disciple, I will seek to understand the beauty and wonder of God’s grace as revealed in Scripture; I will ask the Lord to “open my eyes that I may see wonderful truths” in His Word. (Psalm 119:18)

• Because I am Jesus’ disciple, I will not only listen to Jesus speak through the Word, but will devote myself to heeding His Word and becoming like Him in every area of life. I will keep no part of my life from Him and will indulge in no secret sin.

• Because I am Jesus’ disciple, I resolve to set my family at His feet by means of faithful and meaningful family worship and faithful church attendance and involvement.

• Because I am Jesus’ disciple, I will obey the biblical admonitions to be in the Lord’s House on the Lord’s Day in order to worship Him and be encouraged through the teaching of Scripture. I will devote Sunday to the Lord, to His Church, and to His Word because God established Sunday and local churches to aid in my Christian growth. God designs that my family and I be in His House 52 Sundays a year and apart from significant unforeseen hindrances we will be.

• Because I am Jesus’ disciple and no longer a disciple of Satan and the world, I will no longer listen to the world’s voice, seek the world’s approval, or be driven by the world’s philosophies, priorities and passions.

• Because I am Jesus’ disciple, I expect the world’s disapproval, rejection and mistreatment. As Jesus’ disciple I rejoice when I am treated as my Master was treated.

Jesus’ Disciples Love Each Other and “Advertise” Their Commitment to Jesus By Means of That Love.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35)

• Because I am Jesus’ disciple, I will foster and express a love for fellow believers that imitates Jesus’ love for them.

• Because I am Jesus’ disciple, I will express my love for my brothers and sisters by faithfully praying for them and ministering to them. I will sacrifice my time and resources to care for them.

• Because I am Jesus’ disciple, I will give faithfully to the ministry of our church. By doing so I am expressing love to my Christian brothers and sisters by supporting ministry that is spiritually nourishing to them.

• Because I am Jesus’ disciple, I will reach out to other believers in our family in order to know them, understand them, and serve them.

• Because I am Jesus’ disciple, I will always seek unity, harmony and intimacy with fellow disciples. I will therefore forgive those who sin against me and have patience those with whom I disagree.

• Because I am Jesus’ disciple, my communication with believers will always be uplifting/encouraging and spiritually helpful. I will not engage in gossip, slander or criticism that does not “encourage” .

• Because I am Jesus’ disciple, one of my greatest joys is found in ministry to those for whom He died.

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” (John 15:7-8)

May the Spirit of God use the words of Jesus to increase our love for Him and prod us to live lives of self-denial, submission and service. May Jesus’ name be exalted and fame be spread. May His followers follow Him and by so doing bring Him the glory He deserves.