In Luke 14:26-33 Jesus says “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters–yes, even his own life — he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
Did you know that nowhere in God’s Word does Jesus refer to people as Christians? But He does refer to His followers as disciples. In the bible, people who were not following Him referred to them as Christians. No author of any portion of the New Testament used the word “Christian” to refer to followers of Jesus.
But years ago, my discipler referred to me as a disciple of Jesus …. a learner of Jesus, a follower of Christ and a brother in Christ.
How did we transition from being disciples back in the day to calling ourselves Christians? What is a Christian? What’s the basis for this?
I don’t have an answer! But I do have a recommendation.
As we seek to obey Jesus, we surrender our will to Him and come under His Lordship. I believe it is only fitting to refer to ourselves as disciples of Jesus who seek to follow Him all the days of our life until He calls us home to be with Him for eternity.
May our Lord speak to us, encourage us and guide us down the King’s highway and allow Him to mold us into His likeness.
In Christ,
Bill