Becoming Disciples (John 13:31-35)
The Shape of Discipleship: Love That Reveals Jesus
John 13:31–35
On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus gathers his disciples for one final meal. Judas has just left the room to betray him. The cross is no longer a distant idea—it’s moments away. And it’s right then that Jesus speaks about glory.
This is surprising. When we think of glory, we imagine victory, success, and admiration. But Jesus redefines glory as suffering love. His death will be the moment when God’s true nature—self-giving, faithful, merciful love—is made fully visible. The path to glory runs through the cross.
And this matters for discipleship.
To be a disciple of Jesus is not simply to agree with his ideas or admire his teachings. A disciple is a student, an apprentice—someone who learns how to live by being with Jesus and taking on his way of life. Discipleship is embodied. It reshapes our habits, our loves, and our character.
Jesus then names a tension every disciple lives with: God is with us, but we are not fully with him yet. We live in the space between the “now” and the “not yet.” This means discipleship is not only about adding spiritual practices—it’s also about unlearning, resisting, and being counter-formed from the ways the world has already shaped us. Growth requires both putting on and putting off.
So what does discipleship look like in practice?
Jesus gives one defining marker: love.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another—just as I have loved you.” Love is not left undefined or self-determined. Jesus gives love its shape by embodying it. We know what love is because he laid down his life for us. And the only way we learn how to love is by first being loved by him.
This is why love is the visible sign of discipleship. It’s how the world recognizes followers of Jesus—not by our certainty, performance, or moral superiority, but by lives shaped by sacrificial, patient, self-giving love.
As we begin exploring our discipleship values—Seek Truth, Show Love, Stay Curious—we remember this: discipleship is life with Jesus. It’s learning his way by walking alongside him. One day, this work will be complete. Until then, we live rooted in Christ, formed by his love, and shaped into people who make that love visible in the world.
Reflection Questions
Where have you been tempted to think of discipleship as addition only, rather than both formation and counter-formation?
How has Jesus shown you what love looks like—not just told you?
What might it look like this week to love others as Jesus has loved you?
