Articles
Disciples Indeed
John records that during one of Jesus’ visits to Jerusalem, “As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free’” (John 8:30-32, NKJV).
The word disciple refers to a learner, a pupil. The crowds listening to Jesus learned enough to believe in Him; that made them disciples in the broad sense of the word. But to be disciples indeed, truly Jesus’ followers, they needed to abide in His word. That meant taking it to heart, living it in their daily walk, and doing so on an ongoing basis. There is a difference between being a disciple and a disciple indeed.
Some are willing to follow Jesus but only on their own terms. They state up front what they are and are not willing to commit to. A disciple indeed accepts Jesus’ terms of discipleship: putting Him above all others (including family members), yielding all to Him, and bearing whatever hardships come in conjunction with serving Him (Luke 14:25-33).
Some accept the Lord’s teaching only when it happens to coincide with their own thoughts and plans. A disciple indeed joins Paul in “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Some who are numbered among the disciples are not very productive. In contrast, Jesus said, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8).
Some disciples in Jesus’ day quit after a time. “As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore” (John 6:66). Some in our day do the same thing. They may, like those in John 6, decide that Jesus’ teaching is too much to accept. They may get distracted and caught up in worldly things. Or they may, as the author of Hebrews cautioned, just drift away (Hebrews 2:1). A disciple indeed abides in Jesus and His word.
Let’s each ask ourselves, Am I a disciple in name only or a disciple indeed?
