Disciples of Christ

Genesis 34-36; Luke 14

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”

Luke 14:26, 27

We often define discipleship and being a disciple of Jesus by what we know. Jesus defined it first as a radical surrender of our will and heart affections to him. Our love for Jesus is to be far greater than our love for our family. In comparison to this love for Jesus, we would hate our family. These are strong words. Jesus calls his disciples to daily die to self and the life of self-indulgence, take up our cross, and follow him. This is not just for missionaries and serious Christians. This costly life of daily listening to, obeying, and following Jesus is for every disciple of Christ. Our inability to live this way means we don’t make disciples because we ourselves have not yet become disciples in the way of Jesus. The incredible joy, peace, and freedom of losing everything and finding Christ set disciples apart in this world. Jesus calls disciples, not converts.

“Lord Jesus, I choose you and your way in the power of your Spirit, for your glory.”