Marks of a true disciple

Bible Reading - Mark 10:1-31

What makes a true disciple? Do we have to be perfect in all that we say and do? Are we supposed to serve others till we drop, not giving a care for ourselves? Through interactions with three different groups of people, Jesus reveals what it takes to be a true disciple.

A true disciple seeks God’s will - The Pharisees were the A* scholars of their day. They could easily recite Scripture by heart, and knew just about every religious ritual there was. Intending to trap Jesus, they asked Him a question regarding the Jewish law and divorce. Instead of focusing on divorce, Jesus directed the Pharisees back to God’s original intention for marriage (v6-9).

A disciple yearns to discover and do God’s will. He or she wants to know and follow God’s unchanging intentions for how we ought to live our everyday lives.

A true disciple has childlike faith - People were swarming Jesus, wanting Him to bless their children. The disciples decided that their Lord had no time for pesky, insignificant children, so they tried to keep the children away. Perhaps they expected Jesus to be grateful to them now that He had more room to breathe. Instead, Jesus told his disciples off. He called the children back and blessed them. He used them as an example to teach the importance of having childlike faith.

Disciples should approach God with complete trust and humility like a child, rather than with doubt and pride (v14-15).

A true disciple is wholeheartedly devoted to Jesus - In spite of following rules all his life, the rich young man lacked one key feature of a disciple – wholehearted devotion. He had done all the right things, yet he was unwilling to let go of his wealth. He wanted eternal life, yet he didn’t value the kingdom of God enough to forgo his riches on earth (v21-22).

It’s not that Jesus wants His disciples to be poor. Instead, Jesus is challenging us to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Out of these three characteristics, which one do you want to grow in? Identify the steps you need to take to develop yourself in this area and grow as a disciple.

As you spend time on the couch with God, take a moment to pray and reflect on what you've read.