Like Them

How slow they were to get it! So often they missed the point of their Master’s teaching, and at times they displayed attitudes unworthy of a disciple. Yet Jesus “loved them to the end” (John 13:1).

What did He see in these disciples?

1. They were willing to leave all to follow Him (Matthew 19:27). Not everyone was.
2. On one occasion, when many others deserted because they found Jesus’ teaching unpalatable, they stayed. “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and come to know that You are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69).
3. They obeyed. When Jesus sent them out to preach, they went.
4. They grew bold to the point that they were glad to be “considered worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41).

The example they set for us

Despite their slowness, they grew. Although Jesus set high standards for them, they rose to the challenge. Jesus did not give up on them, and they did not give up on Him.

Like them, let’s follow Him, stay with Him, obey Him, suffer for Him. The key to their growth is the key to ours.