Disciples Indeed

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed." (John 8: 31 KJV)

"Indeed" is from the Greek word "alēthōs" and means "truly, of a truth, in reality, most certainly" or "surely."

"Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" (John 1: 47 KJV)

In these verses Jesus is being emphatic in his declarations and exclamations. His purpose is to remove doubt and questioning and to declare what is genuine.

There are genuine disciples, those who are believers indeed, or truly and really, and who are no pretenders, but actual disciples and believers.

"Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, (then) he will keep My word..." (John 14: 23 NKJV)

True love and devotion produces genuine works of kindness to the objects of affection.

Oftentimes what one thinks is "true" love is really not such, but a lower emotion. True love "never fails" and "endures all things." (I Corinthians 13: 4-8 KJV)

How do we know if we truly love Christ? Besides the deep emotions we feel towards him?

Do we spend time talking to him in prayer? Do we spend time listening to him speak to us? Do we read and meditate upon his teachings? Do we daily "stand amazed in his presence"? Is he daily in our "awe"? Do we see him as "awesome"? Do we delight in knowing him? In hearing his voice? Do we enjoy being with his people and hearing people talk about our Master?

Father, in Jesus' blessed name, and by the intercession of the Spirit of truth, make us disciples indeed.