My name is Jonathan Banning. That is my identity. That name was given to me at birth. That name is on all my legal documents. “Jonathan” is on all my various sorts of insurance (except one company who for some unconscionable reason thinks that name has two h’s). If I decided to go out one day and tell everyone I met that my name was Don Truex that would be a lie. I’m not Don Truex. I don’t have the voice, the moustache, or the suspenders to support that claim. No matter how many times I make that claim, I’m not Don. I’m Jonathan. Just because you claim an identity doesn’t mean it is your identity.
That same rule applies to the word “disciple.” Millions across the world would claim that identity, but just because you claim an identity does mean it is your identity. You and I may claim to be disciples, but that doesn’t mean we really are. What does Jesus find when He digs into your background? Does He find evidence that you truly are a disciple, or does He find that “disciple” is just an alias you use on Sundays?
Real disciples recognize Jesus’ authority. (Matthew 10:24-25). A disciple is a person that has subjected their entire life under the teaching and example of another. They do not emulate some of what they’ve been taught, but every bit, because they admire their Master. They do not avoid, side-step, or try to loophole around His commands. They strive to do exactly what He has asked of them, because they recognize that He has the right to ask anything of them. If that’s not you, you’re not a disciple.
Real disciples tell others who they are. (Matthew 10:27, 32-33). Real disciples are not ashamed of Jesus and don’t shy away from telling others that they serve Him. They carry an undeniable streak of boldness, enough boldness to stare down powerful men who murdered their Teacher and declare, “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19) They confess the name of Jesus and they confess His teaching to anyone and everyone they can, even the teachings this world would consider abhorrent. If that’s not you, you’re not a disciple.
Real disciples give their lives over to Jesus. (Matthew 10:39). The real disciple considers this life lost, their body as the property of Someone else. Disciples let Jesus have everything. They truly let Him have His way with them. None of us will do that perfectly, but real disciples strive to do just that. Who are you really? We all call ourselves disciples, but is that an alias or your identity?
