Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Reading: John 8:31-41
Reflection: It is one thing to say that I am a disciple. It is quite another to add visible evidence to that verbal proclamation. In this passage, Jesus makes it clear that there is no such thing as a disciple who only verbally affirms that Jesus is the Son of God. Even a demon can do that. It is the person who not only verbalizes this fact, but visibly lives in a way consistent with the teaching of Jesus that is a genuine disciple. So, if we are genuine disciples, there are certain things we must be willing to do:
1. We need to actually read the Bible so that we know what Jesus actually taught.
2. We are to listen to what that word says given our life situation.
3. We must believe that what we have heard is, in reality, the truth.
4. We are to hold to that truth, meaning we are to apply that truth to daily life.
The result of these four steps is not only an awareness of truth, but a transformed life. May God, by His Spirit, give me the desire to read, listen to, believe and apply the teachings of Jesus to my life...that I might be proven as a genuine disciple.
amen that's my prayer too
ReplyDeleteI never really noticed that Jesus was making these comments to the ones who had believed him. He definitely was not out to win a popularity contest.
ReplyDeleteHow foolish popular televangelists seem today in light of passages like this one when they try and say Jesus was all about empowering people to live "our best lives now."