Daily Devotions
John
Disciples of Jesus
Text: John 13 : 21 - 38
DISCIPLES OF JESUS
Jesus taught His Disciples many deep lessons. He wanted them to possess certain things that would mark them as His Disciples. Let us consider some of the lessons that Jesus impressed upon His Disciples.
1. That they would be like their Teacher
One of the most astonishing statements that Jesus brought across to His Disciples must be found in this text.
“A disciple is not above his teacher,
but everyone who is perfectly trained
will be like his teacher.”Luke 6:40
What a wonderful promise that was! But what a challenging word this was as well! The Disciples were to pattern themselves after Jesus! They were to remember that they were to emulate Him until they displayed His glory well.
2. That they were to have a deep knowledge of God’s Word
Jesus told His Disciples that God had especially blessed them in that they were given the privilege of learning deep lessons.
“To you it has been given to know the mysteries
of the kingdom of God…”
Luke 8:10(Luke 10:24)
The Disciples were urged to pay full attention to all that they had been taught.
“Therefore take heed how you hear.
For whoever has, to him more will be given;
and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have
will be taken from him.”
Luke 8:18
3. That they were to have great faith
Jesus urged His Disciples to have faith! He commended the outstanding faith of the centurion (Luke 7:9). He also spoke graciously of the faith of a woman who came to Jesus and anointed His feet with fragrant oil (Luke 7:50). When the Disciples failed to display their faith in Jesus, they were reproached for their lack of it.
“Where is your faith?”
Luke 8:25
The lack of faith was soundly rebuked, as stated in this text.
“O faithless and perverse generation,
how long shall I be with you and bear with you?”
Luke 9:41
4. That they were to be wise and faithful servants
Jesus taught His Disciples that they must work hard at being faithful to the work that they would be entrusted with.
“Who then is that faithful and wise steward,
whom his master will make ruler over his household…”
Luke 12:42
Faithfulness in service was not an easy thing to cultivate! It was something that the Disciples had to work hard at before they could be said to be faithful.
5. That they were to be people of prayer
Jesus taught His Disciples powerfully by both precept and example. He Himself spent much time in prayer. Luke observed,
“So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness
and prayed.”
Luke 5:16 (Luke 6:12)
He urged His Disciples to greater efforts in prayer.
“Pray that you may not enter into temptation”
Luke 22:40 (Luke 22:46)
6. The emphasis on the characteristic of love
The emphasis on “love” must be understood in the light of the above! We have just highlighted some of the more prominent teachings Jesus sought to impress on His Disciples. By no means were these the only characteristics. (Jesus also taught His Disciples how to be humble – John 13:1-20).
It is important that the emphasis on “love” be understood within its proper context. Jesus was not saying that love was the only thing that would characterise His Disciples. It was one of many characteristics that would make His Disciples stand out from the crowd!
“By this all will know that you are My Disciples,
if you have love for one another.”
John 13:35
FULFILLING THIS COMMANDMENT
Jesus was aware that His Disciples were not filled with love for each other. They were still vying with each other as to who was the greatest among them. They still had friction among themselves. They needed to be filled with His love for each other!
They must become even more aware of what it meant to be His Disciples! People were watching them! Inevitably they reflect their Master. Few things reflect Jesus as significantly as the way in which they loved each other!