Scripture
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
Reflection
The cost of discipleship is not effortless or undemanding. Jesus clearly states “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples” meaning that we must actively live a life abiding in Jesus and his teachings to be considered a disciple of Jesus. I like what Coffman’s commentary says about this passage: “If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples … Jesus did not say to those believers: “You have believed on me, therefore you are saved”; but he said in effect, “Now that you have believed, if you really want to be my disciples, do what I have commanded.” The ultimate salvation of those “believers” depended then, as it does today, upon their obeying the gospel of Christ.” Here Jesus makes a strong case that justification (the action of declaring or making righteous in the sight of God) and sanctification (the carrying on to perfection the work begun in regeneration, becoming more Christ-like) do not exist separately from each other but rather together. They cannot be found apart from each other and if one does not exist, neither does the other.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Pray for unity across the churches in your area and invite the Holy Spirit to be at work.
