{"id":59798,"date":"2024-07-13T01:52:19","date_gmt":"2024-07-12T22:52:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=59798"},"modified":"2025-10-21T08:48:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T05:48:13","slug":"you-cannot-be-my-disciple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2024\/07\/13\/you-cannot-be-my-disciple\/","title":{"rendered":"“You Cannot Be My Disciple”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Luke 14:27 (ESV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Do you truly understand what it means to be a disciple?<\/h3>\n

Being a disciple is more than just believing in Jesus or attending church. There are clear marks<\/strong> of true discipleship \u2014 without them, you\u2019re not a disciple at all. Here are four key traits every disciple must have:<\/p>\n

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1. Being Taught<\/strong><\/h3>\n

No student teaches themselves \u2014 every student needs a teacher.
\nAnd to be taught by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself<\/strong>, there is one non-negotiable condition:<\/p>\n

You must deny yourself.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Without this, you can’t receive the kind of teaching that prepares you for life\u2019s challenges \u2014 whether it\u2019s times of lack or abundance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Apostle Paul<\/strong> is a perfect example of someone who was well-trained by the Lord. He knew how to live in every situation \u2014 whether in need or in plenty.<\/p>\n

Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
\nI can do all this through him who gives me strength.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

That kind of maturity doesn\u2019t come without submitting yourself to be taught by Christ<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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2. Learning<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Being willing to learn is the second mark of a true disciple.
\nAnd when it comes to our faith, we must actively learn the ways of Christ<\/strong> \u2014 not casually, but with intention.<\/p>\n

But here\u2019s the truth:<\/p>\n

You cannot learn from Jesus without first denying yourself and taking up your cross.<\/strong>
\nThere is no other way.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Many people today struggle to understand the Bible. Even when they read it, it feels closed off. Why?
\nBecause they haven\u2019t surrendered themselves to Christ. They haven\u2019t denied their own desires or picked up their cross.<\/p>\n

Instead, they want a comfortable version of Christianity<\/strong> \u2014 soft, easy, without spiritual depth or cost.
\nBut the Bible doesn\u2019t open up to that kind of follower. It opens to disciples<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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3. Being Tested<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Every student must be tested. There\u2019s no such thing as graduation without exams.
\nLikewise, every disciple of Jesus will face seasons of testing<\/strong> \u2014 and Jesus Himself allows it.<\/p>\n

Why?
\nBecause testing builds faith and endurance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

James 1:2\u20133 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
\nbecause you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If you avoid the trials, or fail to endure them, you can\u2019t move forward \u2014 and you certainly won\u2019t graduate<\/strong> as a disciple.<\/p>\n

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4. Graduating<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A student who has passed all their tests receives a certificate \u2014 a mark of completion and honor.
\nIn the same way, a disciple of Christ who endures and overcomes every trial will graduate<\/strong> spiritually.<\/p>\n

And what is our certificate?<\/p>\n

The Crown of Life.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

James 1:12 (ESV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cBlessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life<\/strong>, which God has promised to those who love him.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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So… are you a disciple of Jesus, or just a follower?<\/h3>\n

Many people followed Jesus during His earthly ministry, but very few became His true disciples.
\nSome followed for the miracles<\/strong>, others for the message<\/strong>, and others for the movement<\/strong> \u2014 but only a few fully surrendered and joined His \u201cschool.\u201d<\/p>\n

And the entrance requirement to that school hasn\u2019t changed.<\/p>\n

Luke 14:27 (ESV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

That\u2019s the only way. No shortcuts. No exceptions.<\/p>\n

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There\u2019s no Christianity without discipleship.<\/h3>\n

There is no separate category<\/strong> of \u201cChristian\u201d apart from being a disciple. The two are one and the same.<\/p>\n

Acts 11:26 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

“\u2026The disciples were called Christians<\/strong> first at Antioch.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So, if you want to know whether you’re truly a Christian, ask yourself:<\/p>\n

Am I really His disciple?<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If you haven\u2019t been taught, if you\u2019re not learning, if you\u2019re avoiding the tests, and if you\u2019ve never graduated \u2014 you may be a follower, but you’re not yet a disciple<\/strong>.
\nAnd if you’re not a disciple\u2026 you’re not yet truly a Christian<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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May the Lord Jesus help us all.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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