Good Morning Friends,
“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and
turning to them he said: ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate his 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 14:25-27)
Jesus was not interested in attracting crowds.
He was interested in attracting followers. That’s what a disciple is – a person
who follows someone else. A disciple of Jesus follows Jesus. Literally, a
disciple is a learner. So a disciple of Jesus listens carefully to Jesus in
order to do what He says. A disciple of Jesus watches Jesus closely in order to
do what He does.
A disciple of Jesus is someone who focuses more
on Jesus than on anyone else. A disciple of Jesus focuses on Him more than he
focuses on his family. A disciple of Jesus focuses on Him more than he focuses
on his own life – what is best for him and what he wants. Instead, a disciple
of Jesus focuses on what is best for Jesus and what Jesus wants.
A disciple of Jesus is willing to sacrifice
anything for Jesus. A disciple will sacrifice his time for Jesus. A disciple
will sacrifice his energy for Jesus. A disciple will sacrifice his possessions
and resources for Jesus. A disciple will sacrifice his talents for Jesus. A
disciple will even sacrifice his life for Jesus if he is called upon to do so.
Jesus is looking for disciples. He longs for us
to go into all the world to make disciples – not to gather crowds. He longs for
each of us to be His disciples. He doesn’t just want us to be a part of His
crowd – He wants us to be His followers – His students.
Are you just a part of Jesus’ crowd? Or – Are
you His disciple?
His, by Grace, Steve
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