What is a disciple of Jesus?
A disciple abides in Jesus’ words – Note what Jesus said to those who believe in Him (John 8:31). It is not enough that we believe in Jesus. We must abide in His Word. That is, be diligent students of His teachings, and doers of the Word of God (Matthew 7:21-27; James 1:21-25).
A disciple loves the brethren – Consider what Jesus said to His followers (John 13:34-35). We are to love one another like Jesus loved us, with a love that is visible to others (“by this all will know”).
A disciple bears much fruit – Again, consider Jesus’ words to His disciples (John 15:8). A true disciple bears much fruit. Not an occasional good deed, but a lifestyle which prompts people to glorify God (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12). Failure to bear much fruit results in being severed from Christ (John 15:1-2)!
There are five steps to discipleship. They are:
I. RECOGNITION OF CHRIST
a. As the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world…
b. As the one who is able to save to the uttermost…
c. As the one worth forsaking all else for…
d. As the one to be trusted and followed…
e. John recognized Him and bore testimony that He was the Son of God… He is God
II. AN ACT OF FAITH – verse 37
a. They heard and the believed…
b. To believe is one thing – to follow is another…
c. Action is the evidence of faith…
d. “Faith cometh be hearing and hearing by the Word of God”…
III. A HEART-SEARCHING QUESTION – verse 38 “What seek ye?”
a. Jesus will test the motives of those who call upon Him…
b. What seek ye? What do you expect out of following Jesus?
i. Worldly honor and preference…
ii. Material gifts?
iii. Influence for self-exaltation…
c. Or, do you seek Christ as Saviour and Guide?…
i. “I am the way” – The way to God and righteous living…
ii. “I am the truth” – The truth of sin, righteousness, judgment…
d. This question will search our hearts – “What seek ye?” Are we more anxious to be honored by Christ than to honor Him? “If any man follow me, let him deny himself” Matt 16:24
IV. A GRACIOUS INVITATION
a. “They said unto Him, master, where dwellest thou? He said unto them, come see” (verses 38,39)
b. The accepted his invitation and “came and saw where he dwelt and abode with him”
c. His invitation says…
i. Come
ii. Receive
iii. Follow
V. A WILLING SERVICE
a. Andrew findeth his own brother, Simon, and he brought him to Jesus…
b. True disciples of Christ will be fruit-bearing witnesses
c. John 15:8