Page 22 - In His Image

Why the need for disciples... Disciples are those who have an eye to see what
Jesus is doing and share it with those who are seeking.

Two

John 8:12 "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. He who follows
Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. "'

Jesus speaks these words from a part of the temple known as the treasury (v20)
where huge lamps burned to symbolize the pillar of fire that led the people of
Israel through the wilderness. The pillar of fire in the wilderness represented
the presence of God. Jesus' reference to Himself as "the light of the world" clearly
and without mistake identifies Him as ONE with God the Father. In Christ, God
became light personified. The light of Jesus is the revelation of God Himself.
Only the knowledge of God can bring a person to "life." While one is close to the
light one is able to see. However, as one strays from the light, his ability to see
diminishes and he is prone to slip, fall and get hurt. The further from the light
one gets, the greater the potential danger becomes of slipping, falling and getting
seriously hurt.

Why the need for disciples... Disciples are ones who follow the light, following the
"Light of Life." When Jesus goes before you and illuminates the way, you are fol-
lowing a safe path, a righteous path and a path which will lead to eternal life.
Disciples must know the "Light" and then shepherd others onto the path to follow
Him.

Three

John 12:25-26 "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will
keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am; there My
servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor."

Do you desire to be honored by God? In the Greek, the verb to honor is timao. It
also translates as "to set a price on, value, regard, respect." To be respected,
valued and regarded by God we must serve Him. To serve Him we must follow Him.
A disciple is one who follows Christ. A disciple is one who makes radical life style
changes. To follow Jesus means going the way He went, not the way of earthly
power, but the way of humility and dying to self. Everything Jesus did was for
God's glory. Disciple's actions bring glory and honor to God!

In His Image 14