Imitating Christ: The Call to True Discipleship
Summary
Today, we gathered as a family of God, centering our hearts on the call to true discipleship and the deep, transformative imitation of Jesus Christ. We began by acknowledging the blessings and challenges in our lives, recognizing God’s providence in both the joyful and difficult moments. The love and support of the church family was highlighted as a tangible expression of Christ’s love, especially in times of crisis and grief. We prayed for those among us who are hurting, and we asked God to open our hearts to His Spirit, that we might be shaped more fully into the likeness of Christ.
Turning to John 13, we reflected on Jesus’ act of washing His disciples’ feet—a profound demonstration of servant leadership and humility. Jesus, knowing His authority and impending betrayal, chose to serve even those who would turn against Him. This act is not merely about the ritual of foot washing, but about embracing a posture of service and love, even toward those who may hurt us. The call is clear: to imitate Jesus is to serve others selflessly, to love beyond comfort, and to embody the heart of Christ in all our relationships.
We explored the distinction between being a “Christian” in name and being a true disciple. While many may claim the title, a disciple is one who actively learns from, follows, and imitates the teacher. This imitation is not superficial mimicry, but a deep alignment with the motivations and heart of Jesus. It means allowing Scripture and the Holy Spirit to shape us, rather than molding Jesus into our own preferences or traditions. The challenge is to move beyond mere church attendance or religious activity and to pursue a life that reflects the character, priorities, and sacrificial love of Christ.
We also confronted the temptation to focus on church traditions or personal preferences at the expense of following Jesus. When our eyes are fixed on Christ, we are empowered to love one another, to forgive, and to reach out to the lost and hurting. The world will know we are His disciples by our love, not by our ability to maintain the status quo or win arguments. Imitation of Jesus requires daily surrender, a willingness to endure hardship, and a commitment to live as He lived, motivated by love for the Father and for others.
Finally, we considered the example of Jesus’ baptism and the call to follow Him in every aspect of life, not just in outward actions but in the inward transformation that comes from the Spirit. The invitation is to step into the light, to be cleansed, and to live as true imitators of Christ, so that the world may see the reality of Jesus through us.
Key Takeaways
- Imitating Jesus Means Embracing Servanthood, Even When It’s Costly
Jesus washed the feet of all His disciples, including Judas, who would betray Him. True imitation of Christ calls us to serve and love even those who may hurt or oppose us. This kind of servanthood is not about ritual, but about a heart posture that reflects the humility and sacrificial love of Jesus. [47:58]
- Discipleship Is More Than a Label—It’s a Transforming Way of Life
The difference between being called a Christian and being a disciple is profound. A disciple is one who learns from, follows, and imitates Jesus in every aspect of life, allowing the Holy Spirit and Scripture to shape their character and actions. This means moving beyond cultural Christianity to a life of genuine transformation and obedience. [44:44]
- Our Motivation Must Mirror Christ’s—Obedience Rooted in Love for the Father
Imitation is not mere mimicry of outward actions, but a deep alignment with the motivations of Jesus, who always sought to do the Father’s will. Our service, worship, and ministry must flow from a heart that is captivated by God’s love and committed to His purposes, not from a desire for approval or tradition. [52:01]
- Focusing on Jesus, Not Just Church, Brings Unity and Mission
When our focus shifts from maintaining church traditions or personal preferences to truly following Jesus, we find unity, purpose, and power. The church thrives when it centers on Christ, loving one another and reaching out to the world, rather than being consumed by internal disputes or nostalgia for the past. [55:10]
- Imitation Requires Daily Surrender and Endurance, Not Occasional Effort
Following Jesus is not a part-time endeavor or something we do only when convenient. It is a daily, lifelong commitment to live as He lived, to endure hardship, and to allow the Spirit to continually transform us. This perseverance in imitation is what marks us as true disciples and brings glory to God. [01:09:10]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[32:51] - Scripture Reading: John 13
[34:41] - Family Updates and Testimonies
[37:25] - Prayers for Those in Need
[39:07] - Gratitude for Church Servants
[40:30] - Generation to Generation: Passing the Faith
[42:10] - The Difference Between Christian and Disciple
[44:44] - Imitating Jesus: The Call to Servanthood
[47:58] - Loving Even Those Who Betray Us
[50:55] - Living as Jesus Did: The Demands of Discipleship
[52:01] - Motivation: Doing the Father’s Will
[55:10] - Focusing on Jesus Over Church Traditions
[56:16] - Peter Walks on Water: Keeping Our Eyes on Christ
[59:06] - The Heart of Imitation vs. Mimicry
[01:02:56] - Following the Father’s Example
[01:04:48] - Discipleship at the Core
[01:06:40] - The Example of Jesus’ Baptism
[01:09:10] - Invitation to Imitate Christ
[01:11:30] - Ministry Offering and Community Partnerships
[01:24:27] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Imitating Jesus—True Discipleship
---
### Bible Reading
John 13:1-17 (ESV)
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus do for his disciples in John 13, and how did Peter respond at first?
*(see [33:45])*
2. According to the sermon, what is the difference between being called a “Christian” and being a “disciple”?
*(see [42:10])*
3. Who was among the disciples whose feet Jesus washed, and why is that significant?
*(see [47:58])*
4. What does Jesus say is the reason the world will know we are his disciples?
*(see [47:58])*
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to wash the feet of all his disciples, including Judas, who would betray him? What does this teach us about the kind of love and service Jesus expects from his followers?
*(see [47:58])*
2. The sermon says that imitation of Jesus is not just about copying his actions, but about aligning our motivations with his. What does it look like to have our motivations shaped by the Father’s will, as Jesus did?
*(see [52:01])*
3. The speaker mentioned that sometimes we focus more on church traditions or personal preferences than on following Jesus. How can this focus affect our unity and mission as a church?
*(see [55:10])*
4. In what ways does daily surrender and endurance set apart a true disciple from someone who is just a “part-time” follower?
*(see [01:09:10])*
---
### Application Questions
1. Jesus washed the feet of even those who would betray or hurt him. Is there someone in your life who is difficult to serve or love? What is one practical way you could show them Christ-like humility this week?
*(see [47:58])*
2. The sermon challenged us to move beyond just attending church or doing religious activities. What is one area of your life where you feel you are just “going through the motions” rather than truly imitating Jesus? What step could you take to change that?
*(see [50:55])*
3. The difference between a Christian and a disciple was highlighted. In what ways are you actively learning from, following, and imitating Jesus in your daily life? Where do you see room for growth?
*(see [42:10])*
4. The speaker talked about the temptation to focus on church traditions or personal preferences. Is there a tradition or preference that you have held onto that might be getting in the way of loving others or reaching out to the lost? How could you refocus on Jesus this week?
*(see [55:10])*
5. Imitating Jesus requires daily surrender and endurance. What is one area where you need to surrender more fully to God’s will? How can the group pray for you in this?
*(see [01:09:10])*
6. The sermon mentioned that the world will know we are Jesus’ disciples by our love. Think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to show love but didn’t. What could you do differently next time?
*(see [47:58])*
7. Jesus’ baptism was given as an example of obedience and surrender. If you have been baptized, how does that commitment shape your daily life? If you haven’t, what questions or hesitations do you have about following Jesus in this way?
*(see [01:06:40])*
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for the courage to imitate Jesus in both big and small ways this week, especially in situations that require humility, forgiveness, or endurance.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Sets the Example of Humble Service
Jesus, knowing His authority and destiny, chose to serve His disciples by washing their feet, demonstrating that true greatness in His kingdom is found in humble service to others. He calls His followers not just to admire this act, but to imitate it—serving even those who may not deserve it or who may betray us. This radical humility is the foundation of discipleship, showing that love is expressed through action, not just words. When we serve others selflessly, we reflect the heart of Christ and participate in the blessing He promises to those who follow His example. [34:41]
John 13:1-17 (ESV)
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
Reflection: Who is someone in your life you find difficult to serve? What is one practical way you can humbly serve them this week, following Jesus’ example?
Day 2: True Discipleship Means Imitating Jesus, Not Just Claiming His Name
Being a disciple goes beyond simply calling oneself a Christian; it means actively learning from, following, and imitating Jesus in every aspect of life. Many may claim the title “Christian,” but Jesus calls His followers to a deeper commitment—one that shapes their actions, attitudes, and motivations to reflect His own. Discipleship is about transformation, not just association, and requires a willingness to let go of personal preferences, traditions, and comfort in order to become more like Christ. [44:44]
1 John 2:3-6 (ESV)
And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to settle for “Christian” in name only, rather than truly imitating Jesus? What is one step you can take today to align your actions with His example?
Day 3: Keep Your Focus on Jesus, Not on Distractions or Traditions
It is easy to become distracted by church traditions, personal preferences, or the opinions of others, but true discipleship requires keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus. When Peter walked on water, he succeeded as long as his focus was on Christ, but began to sink when he looked at the waves around him. Likewise, when we focus on Jesus—His mission, His love, and His example—we are empowered to rise above division, discouragement, and the pull of the world, and to participate in His work of seeking and saving the lost. [56:16]
Matthew 14:28-31 (ESV)
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Reflection: What is one distraction—whether a tradition, complaint, or personal preference—that has taken your focus off Jesus? How can you intentionally shift your attention back to Him today?
Day 4: Imitation Is More Than Mimicry—It’s About Heart Transformation
Imitating Jesus is not about merely copying His outward actions, but about allowing His heart, motivations, and relationship with the Father to shape your own. True imitation means seeking to understand why Jesus did what He did, letting the Holy Spirit transform your desires and motivations so that your service, love, and obedience flow from a genuine relationship with God. This kind of imitation leads to authentic discipleship, where your actions are rooted in love and gratitude, not just duty or habit. [01:02:56]
John 5:19-20 (ESV)
So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.”
Reflection: Examine your motivations for serving, worshiping, or obeying God—are you acting out of habit, obligation, or a transformed heart? What is one way you can invite God to deepen your motivation today?
Day 5: Imitate Jesus in Obedience and Surrender—Even When It’s Hard
Jesus’ life was marked by complete obedience and surrender to the Father’s will, even when it led Him to the cross. He calls His followers to imitate this same obedience—not just in easy moments, but in times of difficulty, uncertainty, or sacrifice. Whether it’s through baptism, daily faithfulness, or enduring hardship, true discipleship means submitting every part of your life to God, trusting that He is pleased when you follow His Son wholeheartedly. [01:07:48]
Luke 3:21-22 (ESV)
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are resisting God’s will or holding back from full obedience? What would it look like to surrender this area to Him today, trusting that He is pleased when you follow Jesus’ example?
Quotes
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