TUESDAY
January 1
How Does One Become a Disciple?
Read Mark 1:19, 20 (see also Matt. 4:18, 19). What do these texts tell us about how people became followers of Jesus?
In most instances in the New Testament, disciples were chosen; that is, they were called by the Lord, and they responded to the call. In other words, one doesn't make oneself a disciple. Instead, one becomes a disciple by responding to a call.
What do the following texts say about this topic?
Mark 2:13, 14
Mark 3:13, 14
Luke 5:8-11
John 1:43
Acts 9:4-6
These texts show that the initiative for discipleship in the historical situation did not rest with an individual. It resided with the Master. Each disciple responded to a call the Lord extended.
Even the response to the call Jesus extended did not wholly reside with the called. This, too, involved a divine initiative. "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44, NIV). Discipleship indeed is a work of grace. God provided the means of salvation. He extends the call for us, and He woos us to accept. Can anyone doubt that salvation is all of grace?
The fact that you are even reading these words indicates the work of God in your life. How have you responded to the call of the Master? How do your works reveal the answer?
January 1
How Does One Become a Disciple?
Read Mark 1:19, 20 (see also Matt. 4:18, 19). What do these texts tell us about how people became followers of Jesus?
In most instances in the New Testament, disciples were chosen; that is, they were called by the Lord, and they responded to the call. In other words, one doesn't make oneself a disciple. Instead, one becomes a disciple by responding to a call.
What do the following texts say about this topic?
Mark 2:13, 14
Mark 3:13, 14
Luke 5:8-11
John 1:43
Acts 9:4-6
These texts show that the initiative for discipleship in the historical situation did not rest with an individual. It resided with the Master. Each disciple responded to a call the Lord extended.
Even the response to the call Jesus extended did not wholly reside with the called. This, too, involved a divine initiative. "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44, NIV). Discipleship indeed is a work of grace. God provided the means of salvation. He extends the call for us, and He woos us to accept. Can anyone doubt that salvation is all of grace?
The fact that you are even reading these words indicates the work of God in your life. How have you responded to the call of the Master? How do your works reveal the answer?
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