John Bunyan was told to quit preaching or be thrown in prison. He knew that if he went to prison his wife and children would be left destitute. They had little enough to eat and wear when he was free; but if he were imprisoned, they would be totally impoverished. Yet he knew he must preach the gospel God had called him to preach. Because he refused to stop preaching, he was imprisoned; and from his cell he wrote,

The parting with my wife and poor children hath often been to me in this place as the pulling of the flesh from my bones; and that not only because I am somewhat too fond of these great mercies, but also because I would have often brought to my mind the many hardships, miseries, and wants that my poor family was like to meet with, should I be taken from them, especially my poor blind child, who lay nearer my heart than all I have besides. Oh, the thought of the hardship I thought my blind one might go under would break my heart to pieces…. But yet, recalling myself, thought I,

I must venture all with God, though it goeth to the quick to leave you. Oh, I saw in this condition, I was a man who was pulling down his house upon the head of his wife and children; yet thought I, I must do it. I must do it.
(Macarthur)

This heart-breaking story illustrates a man driven by a love for Jesus above even His own family.
This is something that a disciple of Christ may be faced in life and be called to follow.
Our Passage this morning explores some of the biblical principles that guide true disciples of Christ. Principles that bring God glory.

 

Proposition

 

3 Characteristics Of A Disciple Of Jesus That Should Guide You As You Follow Jesus:

1. The love of a disciple vs 34-37
2. The sacrifice of a disciple vs 38-39
3. The reward of the disciple vs 40-42