Whose Are You?

Merriam-Websters 11th Edition defines "disciple" as "one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another" and qualifies that a little further in sub-point 'b' with "a convinced adherent of a school or individual."

So with that in mind, answer the question. Whose disciple are you?

Over the years I've been a disciple of a number of people and 'schools.' I've been a disciple of Jacques De Molay, capitalism, Stephen Covey, Dennis Waitley and others. I know people who are disciples of various coaches and pundits and methods. If we stop and examine ourselves, our lives and our passions, whose disciple would we appear to be?

My study verse today is

John 8:31 (NIV)

³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

Now to really appreciate this verse you really must read it in full context by reading John 8:12-59. I'll leave it to you to look-up this passage and read it. It is a fascinating exchange between Jesus and a group of Jews including some Pharisees. But for my purposes of intent study today, v31 is all I will comment on.

First, Jesus is addressing a group of believers. "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said..." Then, as now, whenever a group of people are gathered together in the presence of God, there will be believers and non-believers. For the non-believer the message of import is that of salvation. Scripture considers this 'spiritual milk' for the 'new-born believer.' But for believers, the message, though different is of equal importance. Not only do you require milk (salvation) but to this you must add the "solid food" of righteousness.

Secondly, in addressing the 'believers' Jesus is articulating the truth that there is a propensity for believers to fall away. Receiving the word of salvation is relatively easy, perhaps even easier for us today since 'the law' has not the hold on us that it did on the Jews in Jesus' day. But to 'hold to' the teachings of Christ, that is another matter altogether. Jesus acknowledged this with the condition "If you hold to my teaching..." He recognizes that it is possible for the believer to 'fade away' or to never be weaned to the solid food of righteous living.

Third, Jesus establishes the standard by which his disciples are identified. If we satisfy the condition "if you hold to my teaching" then we are identified as the real disciples of Christ. He said "you are really my disciples." Not in word or in name but in action and truth. The test of discipleship is not whether we first believe but whether 'if we hold to His teaching.' If you can imagine that, at the time, believing in Jesus was a very dangerous proposition. You could get stoned! (with rocks!) Even today it is a challenge. Though people are not pelted with rocks anymore, the true disciples of Christ face different forms of persecution including being shunned, ridiculed, marginalized and ignored. Those who hold unswervingly to the teachings of Christ, the true disciples, must struggle in this world.

So, again I ask... if we stop and examine ourselves, our lives and our passions, whose disciple would we appear to be?

Shalom,

Carl