April 29, 2021 -- Luke 9:23 -- Am I a Disciple of Jesus?
/23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me,
let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:23 ESV
Doug Milne’s excellent study Let’s Study Luke has this commentary on these verses:
Jesus gave an open invitation to discipleship. A disciple was someone
who committed himself to be with and learn from the one he wanted to
follow as his mentor and authority. Jesus had no objection to this but
wanted would-be followers to be clear at the start what this would mean.
Jesus was never one to play down the terms of discipleship for anyone
(Luke 18:18-23). The way of Jesus is one of repeated self-denial. At the
centre of human life there operates a principle of self-will on the basis of
self-interest. Following Jesus means bringing our will into subjection to God’s
will. This is the cost of discipleship.” Milne, page 137
How do I know if I’m a true disciple? Just like an overweight person can determine whether or not he’s sticking to his diet by standing on the bathroom scale, so a disciple of Jesus can weigh his actions. A disciple of Jesus will use his free time to learn more about Jesus—talking with fellow Christians, exploring questions of faith and so on. A disciple of Jesus will read the Bible—daily. Of course this is difficult. Our minds wander. Our time is busy and we can feel the pressures of the day crowding in when we start to read the Bible. We have stated Jesus is our all-in-all. Weigh your actions. What you are saying, is it matching what you are doing?
A man on a diet will step on the scale and know whether or not he his sticking to the plan or cheating. Here are some direct questions to help you determine your level of commitment. Do you find yourself thinking about Jesus during the day? Are you praying? Are you finding your thoughts turn to Him? Are you asking questions about the bible? Are the things of this world, old patterns of sin, becoming less attractive? Are you finding it more interesting to read the Bible? Are you talking with other Christians about their walk with God? Are you finding that you are examining your actions more closely and becoming uncomfortable with things you used to do? Does it truly matter to you whether or not you are growing in your devotion to Jesus? Answering yes to one or more of these questions means you are growing in discipleship.
The Spirit of God loves to lead you to Jesus. The Spirit of God invites you to ask for more understanding as to Who Jesus is. The Spirit will give knowledge about Jesus through the reading of the Bible. The Spirit will give you assurance that God truly is your Father. Ask the Spirit to help and direct you so that you will be a fully committed, joyful disciple of Jesus.
Spirit of God, lead me to Jesus. You have put in me a desire to know Jesus now fulfil this desire. As I read the bible, train my soul and mind to find in it the glories You placed there. As I seek to live for Jesus, help me to make a fearless examination of my own life and actions in order to make course corrections back to Jesus. Help me to live for the honour of my King Jesus. Spirit of the Living God, thank You for guarding me close to Christ in Whom I am a beloved child of the Father in heaven. Amen.
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