How Do You Recognize a Disciple of Jesus?

by Bryan Gibson

January 30, 2009

Who better to tell us than Jesus himself? Here are some marks of a true disciple, followed by the words of Jesus himself.

Disciples of Jesus are humble. “Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:4). “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3). “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).

Disciples of Jesus humbly serve the needs of others. “...whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...” (Mark 10:43-45). “...inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40).

Disciples of Jesus listen to Him and do exactly what He says. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me...” (Matthew 11:29). “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed” (John 8:31). “My sheep hear My voice…and they follow Me” (John 10:27). “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23). “...make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Disciples of Jesus do not listen to anyone other than Jesus. “...and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers” (John 10:4-5). “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition” (Mark 7:9). “And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9).

Disciples of Jesus become like their Teacher—Jesus Himself. “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15).

Disciples of Jesus bear MUCH fruit. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8). “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:19).

Disciples of Jesus are loyal—they will follow Him, no matter what the cost may be. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matt. 16:24). “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matt. 10:34-38). “...whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:33).