The Reality of Discipleship

 The Reality of Discipleship

"24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! 26 “Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. 32 “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. 34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household. 37 “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 10:24-39, LSB)

The above words are the words of Jesus (the emphases are mine). If you have a bible that has the words of Jesus in red ink, the above words will be printed in red ink. That means that the words are as true today as they were 2000 years ago. There are certain salient points to be derived from the above text.

1. A disciple of Jesus is not above Jesus. If He was accused falsely, ridiculed, persecuted and insulted, His disciples will be similarly treated. Are you ready for that?
2. We must fear God. The Bible says that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The Bible says that fools despise wisdom and instruction and that the fool says in his heart there is no God (Psalm 14:1). It can be said without fear of contradiction that anyone who does not fear God will not enter Heaven.
3. Many have refused to confess Jesus before men. They are afraid of being scolded and ostracised but failure to confess Jesus before men has consequences - Jesus will not confess such a person or persons before God the Father. What does that mean? Such people will not gain entry into Heaven.
4. Our love for Jesus must supersede our love for others including our spouses and children. Period. 
5. We must take up our cross (not some fancy jewellery) but more like a thorn in the flesh as Apostle Paul experienced (2 Corinthians 12:7). This will be different for different believers but rest assured we all have crosses to carry daily. Are you carrying yours today?
6. If we try to find our lives, we will lose them. On the other hand, if we lose our lives in Jesus, we will find them and our lives will be fruitful. Those who try to find their lives live by their own creeds or standards in opposition to the will of God. Living in accordance with God's will is the best option for anyone irrespective of race, background, profession, or nationality. God's will is what we all need and it is not far from us. If we ask God sincerely, He will reveal it to us. That is what we were created for - to do God's will. 
7. Only those who lose their lives for Jesus will find it. Will you die for Jesus? This is a question that you must definitely answer for yourself if you really want to please and serve God fervently and effectually. The Bible says in Revelation 12:11, "And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their witness, and they did not love their life even to death." (LSB)  

"And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death." (Revelation 12:11, AMP).

May God grant you grace to understand His Word and to apply it in your life. True disciples of Jesus will not think twice about laying down their lives for Him. Will you? God bless you.