3 Marks of a True Disciple

01/02/24 – 01/05/24

Disciples for Jesus

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/02/24

Read Matthew 28:18-20.

Jesus’ call to make disciples of all nations can sure seem a daunting task. But Jesus promised: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. . . . And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18, 20). In other words, Jesus Himself empowers us for the task. We go with the authority of Jesus Himself with our Savior in our very midst.

However, in order to make true disciples of Christ, we must be true disciples of Jesus ourselves. We must obey and imitate Him in every area of life. There are many who claim to be followers of Christ but never reflect His love, mercy, grace, or forgiveness. Jesus was clear: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples” (John 8:31).

Many people today call themselves Christians because they walked the aisle at church years ago and prayed a prayer or perhaps because a youth pastor or event speaker scared them with Biblical Truths about hell. But while these people may have accepted Jesus as their Savior, they have never made Him their Lord. They didn’t step into a discipleship relationship, so they don’t actually know their Savior. They are fooling themselves, as Jesus warned, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

True disciples imitate their Lord and seek to make more disciples for Him; they trust in His power to draw the lost to Himself as they serve as His ambassadors. As we follow Jesus and invite others to walk with us on His path, we echo the apostle Paul, who exhorted the believers in Corinth: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

If you have been a disciple of Jesus for some time, then you need to be discipling at least one other person. Obviously, if you’re new to the faith, you may not be ready yet. But if you are sold out to the Lord, then it is time to make disciples for Him. Just make sure your discipleship is founded upon the Word of God. We are all flawed people, but God’s Word is perfect, so it must be our guide. And remember: As you step out on your disciple-making journey, you go with the authority and even the very presence of Jesus Christ. He will not let you down.

Prayer: Jesus, You are my Savior and Lord. May I know my full salvation, that You have purchased my redemption by Your perfect life and sacrificial death. I want to live a life that reflects the miracle of Your love for me and my delight to be near such divine love. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).