‹ Back

Who are the True Disciples of Jesus?

 

 

What is “Disciple”?

 

Nowadays many people claim to be disciples of Jesus, but how do we know whether what they say is true or not? There is only one definition of “disciple” in the Bible, and this definition was given by Jesus.

 

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed." ~ John 8:31

 

Some translations use “continue” or “hold to” for the word “abide”. The Amplified Bible explained the meaning of “abide” in even more detail as “continually obeying the teachings of Jesus and living in accordance with them”.

 

 

Believing is Not Enough!

 

Note that Jesus was speaking to "the Jews who had already believed in Him". Therefore we know that just believing in Jesus is NOT enough! Being a Jew is also NOT enough! The most important criteria is whether or not we can continue to follow the teachings of Jesus and put His words into practice.  

 

 

You will Know Them by Their Fruits

 

The Bible has warned us many times that we must NOT be deceived, especially in the Last Days! Do NOT be confused by anyone’s titles, appearance, academic background, social media, or any other form of credentials! We will only know a person by his / her fruits!

 

Do those who call themselves "Jesus' disciples" practice righteousness in accordance to the teachings of Jesus? Do they have love for others? Do they manifest any fruits of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control)? You will know them by their fruits!

 

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. you will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. ~ Matthew 7:15-20

 

 

Related Posts:

Beware of False Prophets!