It was not easy for Jesus to communicate with his fellow citizens. Many times Jesus tried to explain his mission. But they stubbornly held on to their positions, not even wanting to hear that God’s plan might differ from what they imagined. Are we disciples of Jesus?
Lent Daily Devotional
“Yet you are looking for a way to kill me because you have no room for my word.” (John 8:37)
Are we Disciples of Jesus?
Today, people do not have the opportunity to talk directly to Jesus as they did 2,000 years ago. But Jesus’ disciples still proclaim the Good News today. However, today, as in Jesus’ day, many people are unwilling to accept the Gospel.
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Are we disciples of Jesus? Who is a disciple of Jesus? He perseveres in the Gospel of Jesus, who knows the truth and gains freedom from evil, understands suffering, and knows how to rise above trifles.
Jesus said: If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31-32)
The Jews replied: We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free? (John 8:33)
Wrong Thinking
We see that they know they are members of the Chosen People. But Jesus shows them where their error in thinking lies. Even though they are the sons of Abraham, they must understand that they are the sons of God.
If they acknowledge God as their Father, they will love Jesus as the Son of God. Then, finally, they will recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Then they will become true disciples of Jesus.
They did not want to accept Jesus as the Son of God because their genealogy and nationality was the deciding factor. They were convinced they would be saved simply because their genealogy was from the line of Abraham. Sounds absurd, right?
Become a disciple of Jesus
But we do not look at our physical lineage. The door is open to all to Jesus. The condition for becoming a disciple of Jesus is to believe Jesus’ words and to put them into practice in your life.
If we are willing to live sinless lives, we gain freedom and the right to eternal life.
We know from the lives of the Saints that they gave themselves entirely to Jesus. They understood that Jesus’ suffering and resurrection would set them free. They set themselves the goal of doing God’s will in everything. This is how they became true disciples of Jesus. This should be our task and our purpose.
Blessed are those who love Jesus Christ and go with Him to the house of the Heavenly Father.
Prayer for Today
We dare to pray in the love of Jesus Christ, who came from the Father. Lord Jesus, Son of God, we pray that we may not become slaves to sin. We ask that we may always remain free and full of peace.
Jesus, you came to redeem us from guilt. Lord, have mercy on us.
You want to help us know the truth. Christ, have mercy on us.
You have redeemed us from the bondage of sin. Lord, have mercy on us. Amen.
