KEY SCRIPTURE: Matthew 10:37 KJV “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

(Please read Matt 10 :34-39)

To be a disciple is to follow a master by learning and doing what the master teaches and does. The meaning of being a disciple of Jesus is to deny yourself of your egos, ambitions, preferences to take only that which the Lord instructs you. The Lord clearly stated His terms for being His disciple and we must fully adhere to them, so we can be what He expects of us.

 Just consider some of the things He said about being a His disciple. Matthew 10:34 KJV “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” This statement does not mean His disciples should take up arms to fight their enemies, but rather a call to place Him first above family relations. This means one’s family members will be at variance with such person, because his persuasions would be different from theirs, creating conflicts in some instances.

HE said in very clear terms who a disciple is. Luke 14:26 KJV’ If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” This statement unequivocally means you can’t be his disciple if you prefer your family or yourself to Him.

 The way of the Lord Jesus is not the kind any ordinary human being would prefer to go. He came to serve instead of being served. (John 13:14) When he was beaten, He did not retaliate. (1 Peter 2:23) He never accepted public praise because He knew what was in the hearts of men. (John 2:24). He made Himself of no reputation and became a man (Philip. 2:5-9) To crown this life of selflessness He died on the cross for all humanity.

The church of God would make a very big impact in our world if Christians were to take unto the Lord’s call to discipleship. Our faith in the Lord’s death and resurrection brings us into oneness with Jesus. Now we have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27) His Spirit is now our very Spirit. (Gal 2:20,1 Corinth 6:17) We don’t struggle to live like Him, rather by faith we are one with Him. The spirit of discipleship is a selfless life constrained or motivated by Jesus’ love for us (2nd Corinth 5:14&15)

 CONFESSION

The love of Christ constrains me, so I live for Him, because I died with Him. I live by the ability of His Spirit alive in me.

FURTHER STUDIES

Galatians 3:27 KJV” For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

Galatians 2:20 KJV I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

2 Corinth 5:14 KJV” For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:”