Discipleship

Have ever wondered what it takes to become a disciple of Jesus? Do think it is as simple as reciting a few words and getting wet? How did you come to that conclusion? Were you taught that by way of tradition? Have you done your own research to discover the truth?

Despite what is often taught by popular opinion, we do not become disciples by simply reciting a few words and getting wet. True, we are saved in that manner, but that doesn’t mean we are disciples. Discipleship requires more. Jesus tells us what it takes to be a disciple in His own words.

Read today’s Scripture carefully…then read it again and again. The description of becoming a disciple is simple, yet not. As we read the passage in reverse, we see that bearing much is what makes us become disciples. But we cannot bear the fruit on our own. So, working extra hard for Jesus in our own strength does not make us disciples, it just makes us worn out.

Bearing fruit is a natural outcome of us abiding in Jesus. When we abide in Him, He abides in us. What does abide mean? We don’t use that word much in our everyday speech. To abide in Jesus is to endure, sustain, withstand, wait, accept, act in accordance with, submit, and remain steadfast. To be a disciple boils down to commitment. We must commit to Jesus fully and always continue in our commitment.

We cannot turn on and off being a disciple. We either are or are not a disciple. By using the word abide, Jesus makes it plain that we must endure and sustain ourselves in Him and His teaching will be in us. This means that we will be in tune with His will and results in us receiving what we for in His name. By being in His will, we will not ask for selfish things but ask in accordance with His will because we know His will.

I pray we all seek to be disciples of Jesus. I pray abide in Jesus. I pray each one of us will endure, wait, and act in accordance with Jesus’ will by submitting to Him. Submit to Jesus. Remain in Him. Endure through Him. Wait for Him. Act in accordance with His will. Be a disciple.

John 15: 7-8 “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”