Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Discipleship
as Witness
Mariamma Ninan,
St. James MTC, NY
“I will
wait for the lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put
my trust in him” (Isaiah 8:17)
Who is a disciple? Merriam-Webster defines
disciple as, one
who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: such as
Christianity. A disciple of Jesus is a
worshipper, a servant, and a witness. To the disciple, each day is a fresh
opportunity to walk with God!
Throughout His ministry, Jesus
welcomed the stranger, healed the sick, offered forgiveness and expressed His
eagerness to give rest to the burdened. Belief in the resurrection was not
instantaneous for the disciples. After the traumatic experience of the
crucifixion, it took time for disciples to come to full faith. Mathew 28: 19-20
states Christ’s Great mission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of Son and of the Holy Spirit
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you “.
Gospel of John gives us another
picture of a disciple of Jesus. John 17:18 says- “As you sent me into the
world, I have sent them into the world.” Jesus’s disciples are on a mission as
His witness. Jesus was sent for a purpose- to reveal God and redeem sinners. As
His disciples, we are sent for a purpose- to tell His good news. Beyond our own
personal duties, we are obligated to be there for one another. We have the duty
to fulfill the law of Christ “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you
will fulfill the law of Christ “(Galatians 6:2)
When Jesus speaks we listen!!
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
thank You for Your amazing love. Help us to be Your true disciples by carrying
Your cross and following Your commandments in our daily lives. In Jesus
name we pray, Amen!
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: