what did jesus teach his disciples

What Did Jesus Teach His Disciples

Today we will talk about what did Jesus teach His disciples. Many Christians do not know what this means. As we embark on this journey, let’s take a moment to meditate on the wisdom that Jesus imparted to His followers. His teachings were not merely instructions; they were heartfelt lessons aimed at shaping their character, building their faith, and preparing them for the remarkable tasks that lay ahead. Throughout the New Testament, we can glean powerful insights from His words and actions. From love to humility, sacrifice to service, Jesus laid the groundwork for a new way of living—an upside-down kingdom where the first would be last and the last would be first (Matthew 20:16). Join me as we explore the rich tapestry of teachings, revealing how they apply to our lives today.

Understanding Love in Action

One of the most significant teachings that Jesus shared with His disciples revolves around love. While many understand love as a feeling, Jesus taught that true love is demonstrated through actions and choices. In the original Greek, the word “agape” is often used to describe this selfless, unconditional love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Jesus modeled this love during His time on earth, showing that love is not just a word, but a commitment to care for others, even when it is challenging.

In John 13:34-35, Jesus gives His followers a bold command: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” The emphasis here is that love should be the defining characteristic of His followers. When we love one another, we reflect the nature of Christ Himself. This love may be challenging, especially toward those who may not deserve it or who have wronged us. Yet, Jesus illustrated love through His actions, offering forgiveness to those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34) and calling us to do the same.

Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus demonstrating this principle in His life. Whether it was healing the sick (Matthew 14:14), feeding the hungry (Mark 6:30-44), or welcoming children (Matthew 19:14), each act was saturated with love. Furthermore, in Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus sums up the law with a call to love God and love our neighbors. This tripartite love—loving God, ourselves, and others—sits at the core of Jesus’s teachings, guiding His disciples toward meaningful lives.

Lessons on Humility

Another crucial lesson that Jesus taught His disciples was the importance of humility. We live in a world that often exalts pride and self-promotion, yet Jesus flipped that idea on its head. The Greek word for humility, “tapeinos,” embodies the concept of lowering oneself to serve others. Jesus embodied this when He washed the disciples’ feet in John 13:1-17, showcasing that the greatest among us must be the servant of all (Mark 9:35).

In Matthew 5:3, Jesus begins the Beatitudes by proclaiming, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This statement encapsulates His call to embrace humility as the pathway to spiritual wealth. Acknowledging our need for God and cultivating a lowly spirit opens our hearts to receive His grace and transform our lives.

Jesus continually modeled humility through His actions. He did not come to be served but to serve others (Mark 10:45), demonstrating that true greatness lies in selfless service. When we approach others with humility, we break down barriers and invite healing into our relationships. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This teaching rings true today, as every act of humility builds bridges rather than walls between us.

The Call to Discipleship and Sacrifice

As Jesus gathered His disciples, He made it clear that following Him requires commitment and sacrifice. The call to discipleship is not about convenience but rather a willingness to lay down one’s life for the sake of the Gospel (Luke 9:23-24). In the Greek, the term “mathetes,” meaning disciple, conveys the idea of being a learner and a follower—someone who imitates their teacher.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus made this point remarkably clear. When He called the first disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—they left everything behind to follow Him (Matthew 4:18-20). This illustrates that discipleship often involves relinquishing earthly priorities to pursue a higher calling. Matthew 6:33 encourages us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” reminding us that our commitment to Jesus should take precedence over all else.

The teachings of Jesus about sacrifice also include the necessity of carrying our cross (Matthew 16:24). This metaphor represents the struggles and trials we might face as followers of Christ. Jesus reassured His disciples that while the path may not be easy, it is ultimately rewarding, offering eternal life and a relationship with Him (John 10:10).

Forgiveness: A Revolutionary Teaching

Forgiveness is another cornerstone of Jesus’s teachings. He understood that humanity struggles with the weight of sin and offense, and thus, He emphasized the necessity of forgiving others as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15). In teaching His disciples to pray, Jesus included a clear message on forgiveness, highlighting that our relationship with God is deeply connected to our willingness to forgive others.

In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus how many times one should forgive someone who sins against them. Jesus responds with a challenging answer: seventy-seven times. This hyperbolic statement underscores that forgiveness knows no limits. It reflects God’s own mercy toward us, reminding us in Ephesians 4:32 to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Moreover, Jesus demonstrated forgiveness through His actions. In the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:23-35), Jesus illustrates the irony of receiving forgiveness yet withholding it from others. Such teachings compel us to reflect on our relationships, striving to let go of grudges and embrace the grace extended to us. Understanding forgiveness as a gift and a decision allows us to impact our relationships and communities positively.

Faith and Trust in God

Faith is an essential theme in Jesus’s teachings. The Greek term for faith, “pistis,” denotes trust and confidence in God and His promises. Jesus often turned to His disciples to illustrate the importance of unwavering faith, encouraging them to trust in God’s plan and provision even in challenging times (Matthew 6:25-34).

One of the more famous lessons on faith occurs during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walks on water (Matthew 14:22-33). As Peter attempts to walk on the water toward Jesus, he falters due to fear, prompting Jesus to ask, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” This moment highlights that Jesus seeks His disciples to maintain their faith even amid the storms of life.

In Mark 9:23, Jesus boldly asserts, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” This statement reflects the limitless nature of faith and the transformative power it encompasses in our lives. When faced with the storms of our own lives, we should cling to the promise that our faith can reshape circumstances. Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 10:17, stating that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Thus, immersing ourselves in Scripture builds our faith and helps us to trust God’s goodness.

Service: The Path to Greatness

Another essential teaching near and dear to Jesus’s heart was the call to service. Service emphasizes a selfless attitude towards meeting the needs of others. In the Jewish context, “service” (Hebrew: “avodah”) signifies work done to honor God. In Jesus’s teachings, greater approval comes not from being served, but from serving others (Mark 10:45).

In John 15:13, Jesus declares, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This statement embodies the essence of sacrificial love, perfectly demonstrated on the cross. Jesus marked true greatness in His kingdom through serving others and loving deeply, extending beyond mere words to action. Our ability to love and serve others speaks volumes about our faith.

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus expresses that whatever is done for the least of these is done for Him. This teaching challenges us to reflect on who we consider “the least” in our communities. Service is not only an act of kindness; it’s a reflection of the heart of Christ within us and a tangible expression of God’s love in action. Each act of service fosters connections among us, creating a community grounded in love and unity as Jesus taught His disciples.

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up our exploration of what Jesus taught His disciples, it’s clear that His lessons are incredibly relevant today. From love and humility to faith and service, each aspect invites us to let go of our worldly perspectives and embrace the teachings of Jesus, which guide us toward a life of meaning.

Jesus’s teachings challenge us to transform our hearts and minds, making love triumph over hate and service prevail over selfishness. He did not just speak; He lived what He taught, providing us with the ultimate example to follow.

As we strive to incorporate these teachings into our daily lives, may we reflect the character of Christ in everything we do, fostering a vibrant community that echoes His love and grace. Let’s carry these lessons with us and encourage one another on this journey of faith.

Further Reading

30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4