This week’s devotional thought is about discipleship. As Easter approaches, I am reminded of the closing moments of our Lord’s earthly ministry, when He taught His final lessons to His disciples. Much like the process of schooling, the last lessons often become the high point or the lasting impression that remains with the learner.

With this in mind, we see Jesus demonstrating the very essence of His ministry as He girded Himself and stooped to wash His disciples’ feet. As you may remember, Peter was astonished at what Christ set out to do, but he was soon humbled when he realized that he could have no part with Christ unless he allowed Jesus to wash his feet (John 13:6–10).

While there is more in this passage than we have time to fully explore, we can observe three essential elements of true discipleship—of being a follower of Jesus Christ.

First, one must be willing to learn from and follow, with confidence, the Teacher and Master in whom they believe.

Second, one must be willing to apply the teachings they have received, with all their heart.

Third, one must be willing to grow continually—learning, applying, and maturing—until they fulfill their ultimate purpose, which is to become like their Teacher and Master.

As we consider this important pattern, let us turn our attention to the concluding words of Jesus: “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13:13–17)

Here we see that Jesus affirms the principles of discipleship by reminding them that they rightly call Him their Lord and Master. He then presents a clear expectation: the true disciple must willingly apply these truths in order to experience the blessedness He describes.

Finally, we see that this is not a one-time act, but a continual pattern. The true disciple consistently lives out this cycle—learning, applying, and growing—thereby demonstrating love for their Teacher and Master.

While we understand that salvation is not based on our works, but on faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross, we are also called to “work out” our salvation (Philippians 2:12) by living in faithful, obedient discipleship that honors our Teacher and Master.

It is my prayer that these thoughts will encourage you to continue learning, applying, and growing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Praying you have a blessed week!