"Jesus therefore was saying to
those Jews who had believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, then you are truly
disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make
you free.' " John 8:31,32
The Greek word for disciple is mathetes, noun: means "a learner" (from manthano, "to learn," from a root math
-, indicating thought accompanied by endeavor), in contrast to didaskalos, "a teacher"; denoting "one who follows one's
teaching". A "disciple" was not only a pupil, but an adherent; hence
they are spoken of as imitators of their teacher. (Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary pg. 171)
Jesus is speaking to believers here. Notice that
Jesus said first that we must abide
(live/reside in, hang out) in His word, then we are truly disciples of
His. We have Jesus' promise that if we abide in His word,
we will know the truth (John 1:17; 16:6; 18:37) and the truth will make us
free and we will truly be His disciples.
Are you a disciple of Jesus?
Have a wonderful day in the
Lord!
April
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