This week we continued looking at what Jesus has to say about discipleship, and focussed on the hallmarks or characteristics of a disciple. Love is the defining mark of being a follower of Jesus (see John 13:34-35, John 15:9-17); the kind of love Jesus shows us is unconditional and sacrificial, and this is the kind of love His disciples must also show (see 1 John 2:10-11, 1 John 3:11, 14-18). We are called to reflect God’s love to other people.
Other characteristics include:
- service (Mark 10:34-45, John 13:1-17), which includes humility and having a teachable spirit. It also means a willingness to examine one’s own life before criticising others (see Matthew 7:3-5, the ‘plank’ in your eye,)
- faithfulness (Matt 25:14-30). It is significant, perhaps, that discipleship is often synonymous with servants/ slaves. We are called to be faithful in our service, in following Jesus, not simply to be obedient. In the parable, the servants who were commended were those who did their best for their Master, increasing the value of the money they were entrusted with. It is also perhaps relevant that being faithful is connected to having faith (the word etymologically is obviously connected.) The good and faithful servants were those who trusted their Master and wanted to do their best for him.
- perseverance (Luke 8:15, John 15:1-8). We are required to continue following Jesus, no matter what our circumstances are or what comes against us.
Disciples of Christ are called to love selflessly, to abide in Christ so that the fruit of the Spirit grows in our lives. We are not called to lord it over others, but to serve humbly and faithfully, persevering in our calling to be followers of Christ and to make disciples of all nations.
