Are You a Disciple or Just a Believer?
I hope you love the products and resources I recommend here at Foundational. It is possible that I get a commission and collect income from the links on this page. Click here for more info.
What does it really mean to follow Jesus?
In Luke 14, Jesus gave one of His most challenging teachings, calling His followers to count the cost of discipleship.
In this article, Craig Swanby explores what it means to be more than a believer—to become a true disciple of Christ.
What Did Jesus Mean by “Hate” Your Family?
In Luke 14:25-33, Jesus outlines what it takes to be His disciple.
First thing He says is, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”
What?
The multitude that was following Him must have been incredulous!
How could Jesus say such a thing?
Isn’t He a God of love?
Now He’s talking about hating the very closest relationships we have on this earth? Is he even saying we must hate our own lives?
Jesus was known for saying some outlandish things, but this takes the cake! So, what was Jesus saying to these people?
What is Jesus saying to you and me?
Could it be that He is trying to communicate the unique relationship He wants to have with those who truly follow Him?
Count the Cost of Following Christ
I think He’s letting those who really want to be His disciples know that it is a relationship like no other on this earth. He wants complete devotion and obedience.
If we are satisfied with attending church on special occasions and maybe volunteering to teach Sunday school once in a blue moon, we are not being a disciple.
Jesus demands total control of our time, resources, talent, and will. Yes, demands.
Our relationship to Him must be as submissive as a slave to his master. What Jesus tells us to do, we must do. He set the example by being obedient to His Father all the way to the cross.
Are we to really hate our earthly relationships in a way that suggests we are to treat them poorly and with contempt?
No, I don’t believe that is what Jesus is saying at all.
What He is saying is that our relationship with Him should be so unique and single-minded that it is as if we hated all others.
There was a song the Eagles sang in the ’70s called “You Get the Best of My Love,” and that’s what Jesus wants.
The best of everything we have to offer in this life.
He wants it all.
Take Up Your Cross
“Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple.” (verse 27)
What does the cross represent? Death.
We all have a cross to bear. We all have a calling and a path chosen for us by our Lord that we must walk, no matter how difficult or tenuous it may seem at times.
Paul exhorted the Romans to present their bodies as a living sacrifice. Sacrifice. A word most people don’t care too much about. Cross and sacrifice are words that depict suffering.
But aren’t we supposed to be experiencing health, wealth and happiness if we follow Christ?
What Bible are you reading?
Jesus Himself said that just as He was treated, so would we be treated. Again, He is the example. His life on earth represented sacrifice, suffering, and the cross.
Being all God, He came as the suffering servant to lay down His life for you and me.
But if you want to simply be a believer who picks and chooses the scriptures you like that proof text how you want to live, be my guest.
But don’t call yourself a disciple of Christ. You are not.
Give Christ Ownership of Everything
“…Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (verse 33)
Not exactly spouting the American dream, is He?
We’re told from our youth to “get while the getting’s good.” Get a good job, buy a house, and fill it with all precious and pleasant things.
ccumulate, accumulate, accumulate!
Be good consumers.
That makes God happy!
Not what Jesus was saying, is it?
Am I saying we are to give away all our possessions and live on the streets in order to be a disciple of Jesus?
No, it’s not my place to tell you how to follow Christ.
But if you consider yourself the owner of your wealth, you are not being wise.
Treat the things you have as if you are simply a steward, and God is the owner. That way, if something happens to it, you can say “Father, I guess you wanted Your car dented, or Your guitar scratched.”
I’m talking to those who want to be disciples of Christ. Not your everyday “Sunday-go-to-meetin’” Christian.
If you’re content leading a mediocre life of saying you’re a Christian and living like a pagan, then more power to ya’.
But there is a remnant who want to follow Christ with all their heart. As Jesus said in this passage we’re discussing, we must be willing to count the cost.
There are lots of people today who call themselves Christians, but there are few who demonstrate that they are true disciples of Christ.
Admittedly, it doesn’t sound so appealing when you see what it costs.
But for those who are willing to lay down their lives and take up their cross and follow Jesus with their whole heart, there is a fellowship with the Lord that is deeper and sweeter than any nominal Christian will ever experience.
Those who are disciples of Christ get to see the miracles of Christ, get to taste the goodness of Christ. Get to experience the fragrance of Christ.
There are many who know of Christ but few who know Him personally.
My brothers and sisters, are you a disciple?
Would you like to be one?
- Count the cost
- Lay down your life
- Take up your cross and follow
Simple? Yes.
Easy? No.
Worth it? Absolutely!
Continue Growing in Your Faith
If this article encouraged you, you may also enjoy:
Be sure to subscribe to receive new Bible studies and podcast episodes each week.
My name is Craig Swanby. I repented of my sins and gave my life to Jesus Christ in August of 1981 at the altar of a little Methodist church in Spokane, WA. My life has never been the same. I have been serving Him in ministry for over 30 years. I have served as a singer/songwriter, worship leader/pastor, lead pastor, chaplain, and evangelist. I am involved in seed planting and harvest ministry through evangelism. I have a desire to start work here in Spokane, training and leading evangelism teams to do street ministry in the downtown area and in the parks. At this late date on the prophetic calendar, I believe it is of utmost importance for the church to double its efforts in the cause of evangelism.
AMEN.
the Bible, when read, says you must believe in God. when studied it says, you must know God.
What about His followers? The Gospel names them as ‘a separate group’ from His disciples. And His forgiveness offered at The Cross was specifically ‘for “they who know not what they are doing.”‘ Are disciples thus UNforgiven? & must ‘earn’ peace by fulfilling The Great Commission?
Salvation is a gift that is free. All we must do is accept it. Accept Gods unconditional love. But then to truly love Jesus is to follow His commandments. It’s all well and good to know and even talk about it but until we become doers of His Word and living it, will we begin to see the fruits of our labors.
Please consider sharing this at Word of God Speak. This is exactly what all my posts have been about this week. Complete surrender. Following not being a fan. Be His.
Blessings,
Janis
Thank you o much. I will try to be by this week.
I agree! The base word of disciple is also that of the word “discipline” that is we have to learn to discipline ourselves to actually “do” what Christ tells us to do. if we are unwilling to read “black & white” and follow through, then who are we really serving? Him or us?
Amen. Good question!