Jesus, the son of God, had a close relationship with his disciples. He spent time with them, taught them, and even performed miracles through them.
In the Bible, Jesus described his disciples in various ways that give us insight into what he expected of them. Let’s take a closer look at how Jesus described his disciples.
Believers in Him
Jesus made it clear that his disciples were believers in him. In John 8:31-32, he 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.” This statement shows that being a disciple of Jesus means believing in him and following his teachings.
Salt and Light
In Matthew 5:13-14, Jesus said to his disciples, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?
It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Here Jesus describes his disciples as salt and light – two things that bring flavor and brightness to their surroundings.
Servants
Jesus also described his disciples as servants. In Matthew 20:26-28 he said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant..just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve.” This statement reveals that being a disciple of Jesus means serving others in humility.
Fruitful Branches
In John 15:5-8 Jesus said to his disciples,” 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.
If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Here Jesus described his disciples as fruitful branches that bear much fruit when they remain in him.
Friends
Finally, Jesus described his disciples as friends. In John 15:15 he said, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” This statement reveals that being a disciple of Jesus means having a close relationship with him as a friend.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus described his disciples as believers in him who bring flavor and brightness to their surroundings through service and bearing fruit while remaining close friends with him. As modern-day believers in Christ, we too should strive to embody these characteristics of being a disciple of Jesus.