A disciple of Jesus looks like Jesus! Of course, the disciple does not bear a physical resemblance to Christ but a moral and spiritual likeness. This has always been God's heart for us: "Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness." (Genesis 1:26) Man was made to reflect God's glory. Sadly, "… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Sin has caused us to fall short of that for which we were created. The greatest tragedy of sin is most clearly stated in John 1:18, "No man has seen God at any time." Jesus came to restore to us the glory of God. He told His disciples, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father." (John 14:9) John writes, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14). To see Jesus is to become more like Him. 1 John 3:1-2 says that when Jesus appears we shall be like Him because we shall see Him as he truly is – full of the glory and grace of God. One glimpse of Jesus is enough to change us into His image and likeness.
To completely describe Jesus is impossible. John tells us that only when Jesus returns will we see Him in the fullness of His glory (1 John 3:1-2). However, the Bible does teach us many things about Jesus. Jesus Himself mentions four key characteristics or marks of a true disciple.
A Disciple is Obedient (Hebrews 5:8)
Obedience is the evidence of our faith in Christ (Luke 6:46).
Obedience is the proof of our love for Christ (John 14:23).
Obedience is the key to Christ’s presence in us (John 14:23).
A Disciple is Faithful (Hebrews 3:1-2)
Faithfulness is required (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Faithful is rewarded (Matthew 25:21).
Faithfulness is measured in small things (Luke 16:10-13).
Faithfulness is the foundation of discipleship (2 Timothy 2:2).
A Disciple is Loving (John 13:34-35)
Love is commanded of disciples (John 15:12-14).
Love is the outward mark of a true disciple (John 13:35).
Love is the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 3:13-19).
A Disciple is Reproducing (John 12:24,32)
Reproducing was God’s first commandment to man (Genesis 1:28).
Jesus is looking for His disciples to reproduce and bear fruit (John 15:4,8,16).
Reproducing is the essence (or key) to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).
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