From the desk of Pastor Ben.
True and False Disciples Contrasted

“He said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.” So they were willing to receive Him into the boat.”        (John 6:20-21a)

The apostles’ worshipful reaction to Jesus’ miracles on the lake and their willing reception of Him back into the boat — along with their obedience in heading for the other side of the lake — demonstrated their true discipleship. Their behavior showed they ultimately loved Christ more than anything else, even life itself (see Matthew 10:38-39; Luke 9:23-24; John 12:25). Only genuine disciples are willing to submit to Jesus Christ’s lordship in everything — even if it means persecution, execution, or death in a storm on the Sea of Galilee.

On the other hand, false disciples by definition are not receptive to the demands of real discipleship that the Lord sets forth. And when “affliction or persecution arises because of the word” or “the worry of the world and the deceitful ness of wealth choke the word” (Matthew 13:21-22), such people reveal their true allegiances and forsake the Lord Jesus.

The accounts of Jesus walking on the water, rescuing Peter from drowning, and calming the storm, illustrate the final response true disciples will have toward their Lord. But as we will see in the coming days, false disciples do not pursue Christ with the goal of recognizing and obeying Him as their Lord and Savior. Rather, they think only of personal gain, and when they don’t receive their selfish desires, they abandon Jesus altogether (see John 6:60, 66).

Ask Yourself:
You may have already gone far with Jesus, clinging to Him steadfastly in difficult times, suffering ridicule and misunderstanding for bearing His name. But is there any line you’re not sure you could cross? Ask God to keep your heart open and submissive, whatever the cost.