Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ

1. Read Luke 10:38-42; 11:1-13; 12:13-40; 13:23-24; 14:16-33 and the institute student manual commentary for Luke 11:5-13, “The Parable of the Friend at Midnight” (p. 115). Make a list of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and what the Savior taught about counting the costs of following Him.

As I went through the scriptures, I picked out a few things that I thought were what it meant to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. They are:

• Someone who listens to Christ’s teachings
• Puts Christ first in their lives
• Prays with faith
• Forgives everyone
• Helps others
• Does not covet
• Is selfless
• They are prepared and don’t make excuses
•  Loves others
•  Bears their cross (not of the world) and follows Christ

I think what Christ meant when he taught about “counting the costs” of following Him is to remind us that we are eternally indebted to him and we’re going to have to give all that we have to try to repay Him.

2. Identify one of the teachings from your list that you would like to apply more fully in your life. Write a paragraph about how you could apply that teaching and what difference you believe it would make in your life.

The teaching that stuck with me the most is just being willing to give up everything. We are so indebted to Christ and all that he has done that we can never repay him.  But how can I do that? The first thought that came to my mind is being grateful for all that I have. By acknowledging that things came from God, I’m giving up my own ownership. This change in ownership allows me not only to realize how much I rely on God but also a realization of the need to give to others. In my life I’m going to try to be more grateful.

3. Read Luke 14:33; Omni 1:26; Mosiah 2:34; Matthew 13:44-46. Explain in writing what is ultimately required to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

The overall theme that I got from these scriptures is that in order to be a disciple of Jesus Christ we need to give up everything, or at least be willing to do so. Omni 1:26 tells us to fast, pray, and endure to the end. Mosiah 2:34 says we are to, “render to him all that you have and are.” Matthew 13:44-46 is the parable of the pearl, where the man sells all that he has to buy the pearl of great price. The last of these scriptures though probably says it the best in Luke 14:33 which reads, “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”