Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.”
John 8:31
Jesus, I want to connect with You today.
Help my thoughts turn to You today, for in You I find peace and contentment.
Any follower of Jesus would love to hear Jesus say they’re doing life right. It would be a gift to anyone for God to acknowledge their faithfulness.
In today’s passage, Jesus is talking to His followers— the people who’ve put their trust in Him and chosen to follow Him. He uses the word “disciple” to describe them. “Disciple” means “student,” so Jesus is saying that His followers demonstrate that they’re His students by trusting and obeying the things Jesus said.
The way a follower of Jesus demonstrates their commitment to Him is by abiding in Him—by trusting Him and being faithful to the things He said. When we choose to live this way, God notices. And He says, “You are truly my disciples.”
REFLECT:
When have you sensed God was proud of you for your faithfulness? Why does Jesus define our faith commitment by our trust in and obedience to Him?
RESPOND:
Thank God for giving us commands that teach us how to live in a way that gives us the best life possible. Ask Him to help you continue to abide in Him by trusting in Him and obeying His words.