Discipleship & Life and DeathSample

You & your life

Looking back on yesterday, is there anything that stands out to you? Did Noeng's story touch you? What impact does this event have on your life today?

In John 15:9-17, Jesus talks about giving your life for a friend and loving one another. A love for one another that goes so deep that you are willing to give your life for a friend. Jesus calls us His friends when we do what He says.

Again, this is not just a theory lesson from a rabbi; Jesus Himself gives us the ultimate example. He gave His life for His friends, and even for His enemies.

As friends - disciples - of Jesus, we too may follow in His footsteps. We may love others as Jesus did.

In Noeng's testimony, this became a reality. He did what Jesus asked of him, Noeng gave his life for his friend.

When I think about that, this touches me. I ask myself the question: Would I risk my life for a friend? Would I jump into the water, into the deep, for another person? What stops me from esteeming others higher than myself? How can I grow in this? And how can I make this lesson practical?

Ask yourself these questions as well and get to work on them. Because putting words to this is the first step, making it practical is the next.

Stand in the life Jesus gives you. Don't live for yourself, but live - with Jesus as your example - for the people around you. Who are you living life alongside?

Take the following questions to ponder:

• Going back to a question from Day 1: What do you live for? What might that cost you?
• How can you shape your life more and more according to God's will?
• How do the love, fervor, humility, obedience and service you see in the life of Jesus take shape in your life today?

Prayer:

"Thank You Lord Jesus for giving Your life for me. Thank You for Your tremendous and sacrificial love. Would You help me to be more like You, to follow You even if it costs me everything. Amen."

P.S. This is the last day of this reading plan. We hope it has helped you as a follower of Jesus and that you have enjoyed it, but, of course, there is much more to discover.

The materials in this reading plan come from Alongsiders, a European discipleship movement. Do you want to take the next step? Do you have a heart for discipleship and want to know how to really follow Jesus?

Click here for more reading plans and opportunities to grow in discipleship.