Jesus spoke in John chapter 8:
23 And He said to them (the Jews), “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
25 Then they said to Him, “Who are You?”
And Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning.
26 I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.”
27 They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father.
28 Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.
29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”
30 As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Jesus differentiates Himself from the Jews by telling them “I am from above.” He also disclosed to the Jews that He only speaks and acts according to what FATHER has instructed. Though Jesus had performed many miracles and also had established as being well versed in the Law, the Jews were blinded to who He is. He even disclosed the fact He was going to die for their sins thus becoming the sacrificial lamb for them. Finally, He revealed that His walk is well pleasing to FATHER and as He spoke these Words many believed in Him.
To the believers, Jesus defined who would be known as true disciples. His disciples are those who truly abide in His Word. The word “abide” means to remain, not to depart, to remain as one, not to become another or different, to continue in, to last, to endure, and to act upon. We would say in today’s slang- we are “all in.” Those who are truly Jesus’ disciples shall know the Truth and will be made free from bondage of any type.
What happens to those who do not “remain” in the Words of Jesus? What they once knew as Truth becomes diluted with the world’s logic and reasoning, especially toward Scripture. Revelation becomes tradition and formulas. FATHER’S power is sought in the use of worldly means and methods. Idols are lifted up and attempt to replace the power and authority Jesus gave to His disciples. Signs become more important than hearing HIS Voice.
Jesus stated, “I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.“ When we become as He is, we will be able to genuinely state the same reality and know that we are truly walking as His Disciples. At that point, we will also manifest power and authority in like manner. Let us not become discouraged in this maturing process for the world will actively attempt to dissuade us from this high calling. We must simply walk in Love and the revelation we have as we mature. The works produced by faith will encourage us as we increase in our fruitfulness. Let us continue knowing that FATHER’S desire is for us to come into full maturity as HIS Sons and Daughters who are also known as the Disciples of Jesus.