7 Marks of a Disciple Following Jesus

Have you ever wondered what it looks like o be a disciple of Jesus? We are taught a lot about the importance of discipleship and being a disciple in our walk with Jesus.

What does a true follower of Jesus look like when a life of discipleship is sought after and lived out?

The evidence demonstrating that we are a disciple of Jesus are deeply woven into the fabric of Scripture, reflecting a life that follows Jesus Christ with devotion, obedience, and love.

Here are 7 marks of a disciple following Jesus:

1. Love for One Another: Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35). Love serves as the defining characteristic of His followers, transcending all barriers and manifesting in actions.
2. Obedience to Jesus’ Commands: In John 14:15, Jesus stated, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Obedience to God’s Word and Jesus’ teachings is a clear mark of a disciple, signifying a heart that truly loves and follows Him.
3. Bearing Fruit: Jesus spoke of bearing fruit as a sign of discipleship, saying, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). Bearing fruit encompasses aspects like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
4. Abiding in God’s Word: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,” Jesus stated in John 8:31. A disciple is committed to studying, understanding, and living according to Scripture.
5. Denying Oneself and Bearing the Cross: Jesus outlined the cost of discipleship, saying, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24). This means setting aside selfish desires, enduring hardships, and faithfully following Jesus’ example.
6. Making Disciples: Part of being a disciple is also making disciples, as commanded in the Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19).
7. Prayer and Worship: A disciple maintains a close relationship with God through prayer and worship, staying connected to Him and seeking His will.

These marks are not just outward signs but a reflection of the internal—a transformed heart and life. These 7 marks of a disciple who follows Jesus are the result of faithful and a deep relationship with Jesus, that is nurtured through the work of the Holy Spirit and helped by having an accountable relationship with a mentor or a discipler of men and women.

I pray it is well with your soul, my friend. May the Lord continue to bless you and those you hold dear.

Remember: Tell somebody about Jesus today!

Gratefully,

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™