BIBLE LESSON

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”

— John 16:13

How can we tell the true disciples of Jesus from his many followers in the crowds? Jesus' disciples believed his signs and what he said. They wanted to learn everything he taught. They wanted to be with him all the time, so they followed him wherever he went. They loved Jesus and wanted the best for him. They did what he told them. They took risks with him and suffered for him. Perhaps you can think of more characteristics, for Jesus' true disciples think and act like Jesus' first disciples. We know how Jesus treats his disciples by the way he treated his first disciples. Jesus does not give his disciples more than they can bear or cope with at the time. Before his arrest, Jesus did not tell his disciples all the details about his trial and suffering on the cross, for he knew they could not bear it then. Jesus' disciples have the Spirit of Truth with them and in them to guide them into all the truth they need to know. The Spirit teaches Jesus' disciples what he hears from the Father and the Son, and Jesus' disciples can pray to the Father and the Son. The Spirit declares what Jesus' disciples need to know about the future. When Jesus' disciples weep, mourn, and suffer pain, they know their pain will turn to joy. Because they know Jesus, their hearts rejoice in all circumstances and no one can take the joy of Jesus from them.