Marks of Discipleship: Obedience and Loyalty
Jesus did not just share knowledge with His disciples, although it must have been a tremendous privilege to constantly hear Jesus explain the Scriptures and answer the numerous questions with which the spiritual leaders of His days bombarded Him. They quickly noticed what others also perceived. He taught with an authority that surpassed the scholars of His days. He separated lifeless traditions from the real-life issues that God's Word addresses. However, there was more the disciples needed to learn. They also needed to learn to make their own will and desires subject to the will of the Almighty.
What principles of discipleship can we find in the following texts? Matt. 4:19, 9:9, Mark 8:34.
"Yes, follow Him through evil as well as through good report. Follow Him in befriending the most needy and friendless. Follow Him in being forgetful of self, abundant in acts of self-denial and self-sacrifice to do others good; when reviled, reviling not again; manifesting love and compassion for the fallen race. He counted not His life dear, but gave it up for us all. Follow Him from the lowly manger to the cross. He was our example."—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 178.
How did Peter react when many followers deserted Jesus? John 6:60-70.
Not all disciples stayed with Jesus. Many turned away. Peter spoke for the disciples when declaring their allegiance. With the exception of Judas, they eventually did prove to be faithful followers, and they became leaders in the early church, even though they had moments of grave doubt and disillusionment when their Master was taken prisoner and executed. Their experience gives us great comfort. Many of us have had moments when our resolve to be disciples was at low tide, but as in the case of the apostles, this does not mean that we cannot overcome our temporary lapse.
| If someone were to ask you, "How loyal are you to Jesus?" how would you respond, and why? What outward evidences do you give of your loyalty to Him? |
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