Who is a Disciple of Jesus?

"You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teaching..."

Many people have claimed to be a disciple of Jesus who have had nothing to do with Jesus’ discipleship. It’s not a name game. Knowing Jesus’ name and claiming it means nothing when one’s life does not reflect his. Discipleship isn't about labels—it's about a life that reflects his love, justice, and truth. We cannot slap “CHRISTIAN!” on something and then declare that it’s like Jesus or for Jesus or from Jesus.

Let’s be clear: the name of Jesus is powerful in multitude of ways, not all of which derive from Jesus himself. Leaders and politicians of the world have known for over 1700 years that they can do a lot of things in the name of Jesus because people will be drawn to it, inspired by it, and follow it.¹ Since the 4th century, when Christianity became politically advantageous, leaders have wielded Jesus' name to inspire allegiance, even when their actions reflected anything but his character. But not all these things are reflective of Jesus.

This is why reading, studying, and knowing these gospels is of utmost importance. We cannot be swayed just because someone claims to know Jesus (or God).

John does a lot of defining for us in this regard. Jesus will tell us that what comes out of our lives is dependent on remaining in him. Much later, we will hear from Jesus that people will know we are his disciples by how we love one another. We don’t get to claim to know Jesus and then define that faith and knowledge by what benefits us.

The number of people following Jesus in this part of John sure looks like a roller coaster. Up and down the numbers go, wowed at first by what he does and says and then perplexed by the commitment it requires. The crowd is fickle.

In today’s passage, they presume their placement in the people of God based upon heritage.

Jesus has some things to say. True belonging isn’t inherited or labeled—it’s lived.

John 8:30-58

While Jesus was saying these things, many people came to believe in him.

Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teaching. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

They responded, “We are Abraham’s children; we’ve never been anyone’s slaves. How can you say that we will be set free?”

Jesus answered, “I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave to sin. A slave isn’t a permanent member of the household, but a son is. Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you really will be free. I know that you are Abraham’s children, yet you want to kill me because you don’t welcome my teaching. I’m telling you what I’ve seen when I am with the Father, but you are doing what you’ve heard from your father.”

They replied, “Our father is Abraham.”

Jesus responded, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do Abraham’s works. Instead, you want to kill me, though I am the one who has spoken the truth I heard from God. Abraham didn’t do this. You are doing your father’s works.”

They said, “Our ancestry isn’t in question! The only Father we have is God!”

Jesus replied, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God. Here I am. I haven’t come on my own. God sent me. Why don’t you understand what I’m saying? It’s because you can’t really hear my words. Your father is the devil. You are his children, and you want to do what your father wants. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has never stood for the truth, because there’s no truth in him. Whenever that liar speaks, he speaks according to his own nature, because he’s a liar and the father of liars. Because I speak the truth, you don’t believe me. Who among you can show I’m guilty of sin? Since I speak the truth, why don’t you believe me? God’s children listen to God’s words. You don’t listen to me because you aren’t God’s children.”

The Jewish opposition answered, “We were right to say that you are a Samaritan and have a demon, weren’t we?”

“I don’t have a demon,” Jesus replied. “But I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I’m not trying to bring glory to myself. There’s one who is seeking to glorify me, and he’s the judge. I assure you that whoever keeps my word will never die.”

The Jewish opposition said to Jesus, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham and the prophets died, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never die.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died and the prophets died, so who do you make yourself out to be?”

Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is meaningless. My Father, who you say is your God, is the one who glorifies me. You don’t know him, but I do. If I said I didn’t know him, I would be like you, a liar. But I do know him, and I keep his word. Your father Abraham was overjoyed that he would see my day. He saw it and was happy.”

“You aren’t even 50 years old!” the Jewish opposition replied. “How can you say that you have seen Abraham?”

“I assure you,” Jesus replied, “before Abraham was, I Am.”

Psalm 118:105-106

Your word is a lamp before my feet and a light for my journey.
I have sworn, and I fully mean it: I will keep your righteous rules.

Prayer

God,

I don’t want to just claim your name—I want to live your way. But I confess, it’s easier to wear the label than to walk the path. It’s easier to align with what feels familiar or comfortable than to be shaped by your truth. After all, I’ve got retirement savings.

Expose the places where I’ve confused tradition or convenience with faith. Where I’ve clung to identity without embodying love. Where I’ve used your name to justify my comfort rather than challenge my heart.

Teach me what it means to remain in you—not just in word, but in action. Help me to live a life that reflects your justice, mercy, and grace. When following you feels hard, when your words confront rather than comfort, give me the courage to stay.

And in a world full of loud voices claiming to know you, help me listen for yours—the voice that calls me to love deeper, act justly, and walk humbly.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.

1. While there have been varying degrees by which world leaders have done this, Constantine was the first on a major scale.