Are Christians Disciples? - Is Christianity for You

What celebrities, authors, politicians, or individuals do you respect? Why do you respect them? How have they influenced your life?

Whether you recognize it or not, if you study someone and follow their example, you are their disciple.

Well, this should lead us to ask the question, what about Jesus? Are Christians disciples? Are Christians by virtue of their title disciples of Christ?

Jesus is recorded 22 times in the four gospels saying, “Follow me.” One such instance in Matthew 16 contains this call. Matthew 16:24-28 says, "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. 28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.'”

What was true then is true now. Jesus said that His disciples are called to follow him {wherever He calls}. Those who identify as Christians are to be His followers in thought, in word, and in action. To be a Christian is to live like a Christian. To live like a Christian is to be a learner—a disciple—of Christ.

Reflect: Read Matthew 28:16-20. What does Jesus tell His disciples to make? How can you tell if someone is a disciple (v. 20)? Why is discipleship so important to embrace?

Respond: Who has a great influence in your life: Jesus or someone else? Why? What will you do to follow Him today?

We look forward to your comments and questions below!

If you want to share this Bible reading plan with friends and family, here is the link:
https://bttb.org/is-christianity-for-you