It's all about Jesus: Calling His Disciples (Pt.2)

(Part 2)

“Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.”-Luke 9:23-24.

As we continue to evaluate what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, Luke 9 teaches us that there is a cost for those who choose to follow Him. Before we even begin the journey; we must understand that to follow Christ means that we must die daily to sin, endure persecution, and reject conforming to the culture.

Jesus teaches that this is a daily pursuit. It is much more than showing up for a Sunday service and giving in the offering plate. Disciples eat, breath, and live Jesus! They strive every day to worship the Lord, deny their flesh, resist temptation, embrace the Scriptures, and demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ. Disciples are willing to lay down their lives (dreams, ambitions, desires, and plans) in order to advance the cause of Christ.

Taking up our cross means more than having a willingness to die for our faith, but it is having the determination to die every day to self in order that Jesus may be glorified.

Another indication that a person is truly a disciple of Jesus Christ is seen in their adherence to His teachings:

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”-John 8:31-32.

The wording of this passage is very significant. Jesus instructed His followers that it was not enough to simply listen to Him speak; disciples were required to hold to his teaching. This means that we must not view Scripture as just a piece of fine literature that is to be appreciated for its moral value and historical authenticity.

Real disciples see the teachings of Jesus Christ as the Words of Life! They hold to the Scriptures and apply what they have learned. Jesus’ disciples demonstrated that they had a firm grip on Jesus’ teachings. They did not pick and choose which parts of God’s Word they would follow while ignoring those they found displeasing or too difficult. They understood the gravity of adhering to God’s Word because Jesus went as far as to say; that it was through obeying His teachings that we demonstrate our love for Him:

“If you love me, you will obey what I command.”-John 14:15.

Obedience to the Word of God and the teachings of Christ distinguish the disciples from the mere fans.

 

Pastor Scott Burr

Dayspring Community Church