What Is a True Disciple?
Following Christ Through Obedience
Main Scripture
Luke 6:46–49
“So why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?
Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.
But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”
The Call to Follow
One of the greatest questions every believer must ask is not simply, “Do I believe in Jesus?”
The deeper question is: Am I truly following Him?
There is a significant difference between admiring Christ and obeying Christ.
Many people admire His teachings. Many respect Him as a historical figure. Many even call Him “Lord.”
But Jesus asks a question that reaches into the heart of every believer:
“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
These words were spoken to people who had heard Jesus, but Jesus was showing them that hearing His words is not the same as following Him.
A true disciple does not simply listen to the Shepherd’s voice.
A true disciple follows.
And following Christ means allowing His Word to shape our decisions, our priorities, our character, and our entire life.
What Does “Lord” Mean?
In our modern world, the word “Lord” is often spoken without much thought.
But in the first century, to call Jesus “Lord” was to acknowledge His authority.
A lord is one who rules.
A lord is one whose commands are obeyed.
If Jesus is truly Lord, then His Word becomes our highest authority.
Our opinions must submit to Him.
Our traditions must submit to Him.
Our desires must submit to Him.
Our lives belong to Him.
This is why Jesus asks such a searching question.
If we confess Him as Lord, do our lives reflect that confession?
Hearing Is Not Enough
Jesus describes two builders.
Both hear His words.
Both are exposed to the truth.
Both have access to the same teaching.
Yet one obeys, and the other does not.
The difference is not knowledge.
The difference is obedience.
One hears and acts.
The other hears and walks away unchanged.
How often do we read Scripture without allowing it to transform us?
How often do we agree with God’s Word while resisting its application?
The danger is not only rejecting the truth.
The danger is becoming familiar with the truth without allowing it to shape our lives.
Building on the Rock
Jesus says that the wise builder dug deep.
He did not settle for a shallow foundation.
He understood that storms would come.
Every life will experience storms.
Trials.
Temptations.
Suffering.
Persecution.
Questions.
Loss.
The issue is not whether storms will come.
The issue is whether our foundation is strong enough to endure them.
Jesus teaches that the secure foundation is found in hearing His Word and putting it into practice.
Not merely hearing.
Not merely agreeing.
But doing.
There Is a Danger of a Shallow Foundation
The second builder also built a house.
From a distance, the two houses may have looked similar.
But the foundation was different.
When the flood came, the weakness was exposed.
In the same way, there are many forms of outward religion that can appear impressive.
A person may attend church faithfully.
Know many Bible verses.
Participate in religious activities.
Yet if Christ’s teaching has not become the foundation of the heart, the spiritual house is vulnerable.
The Lord desires more than outward appearance.
He desires a life rooted in Him.
Following Christ Daily
Discipleship is not a single decision.
It is a daily walk.
Jesus said:
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
To follow Christ means allowing Him to shape every part of our lives.
Our speech.
Our relationships.
Our priorities.
Our work.
Our worship.
Our decisions.
A disciple continually asks,
“Lord, what would You have me to do?”
Christ Is Our Sure Foundation
The good news is that Jesus does not merely point us to the Rock.
He is the Rock.
He is the cornerstone rejected by men but chosen by God.
When our lives are built upon Him, no storm can separate us from His love.
Our confidence is not in our own strength.
Our confidence is in Christ, who remains faithful forever.
The Shepherd Calls Us to Follow
The Shepherd still calls.
He calls us not only to believe.
He calls us to follow.
He calls us not only to listen.
He calls us to obey.
The question remains before each of us:
Is Jesus merely someone I admire?
Or is He truly the Lord of my life?
May we answer that question not only with our lips but with the way we live each day.
Reflect & Examine
Before we examine anyone else, we must first examine ourselves. Paul writes, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.” This is a healthy practice for every believer. Are we building upon Christ? Do we love His Word? Do we seek to obey Him? When Scripture challenges us, do we humble ourselves before it? Or do we seek reasons to avoid its authority? The Christian life is not about defending ourselves before God’s Word. It is about allowing God’s Word to transform us.
- Am I building my life upon Christ, or am I relying on something else?
- Do I genuinely love God’s Word and allow it to shape my life?
- When Scripture challenges me, do I humble myself and obey?
- Is there an area where I know God’s Word is calling me to change, but I am resisting?
Today’s Step
Today, choose one teaching of Jesus that you know but have not fully put into practice. Pray about it, ask the Lord to help you obey, and take one specific step to put His Word into action.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Forgive us for the times we have heard Your Word without obeying it. Help us build our lives upon the solid Rock of Christ, so that no storm may shake our faith.
Give us humble hearts that delight in Your commands and joyful spirits that follow wherever You lead. Teach us not only to hear Your Word, but to live it faithfully each day. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
“So why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” — Luke 6:46