John 1:35-37 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.

I am struck by the fact that Andrew and John, who were considered, and probably considered themselves, to be disciples of John the Baptist, so quickly left him and followed Jesus. That shows that John’s disciples were seeking more of God, not more of John the Baptist. That is in distinct contrast to cult leaders – and many who don’t think they are cult leaders – who seek allegiance to themselves first of all. Sadly, I have known quite a few pastors who were like that. Andrew and John the son of Zebedee were convinced that John the Baptist spoke truth from God, so when he said that Jesus was the Lamb of God, they immediately followed Jesus. There have been “Discipleship Movements” in the past that have essentially been exercises in control, and that is not what genuine discipleship is about at all. A disciple is one who follows his master to learn from them. That does indeed involve discipline, as the English words make clear, but believers are to be disciples of Jesus Christ, and only secondarily disciples of any simply human leader. The problem is that control can be addictive; receiving obedience can be heady stuff! The devil loves to use that, and he has ruined countless churches and ministries using it. Likewise, some people actually enjoy being controlled, because it frees them from responsibility (or so they feel). Genuine Christian discipleship is all about responsibility, and submission to Jesus Christ alone. Often that will involve obedience to a human leader, but that must never be the focus. Every Christian leader must say with John the Baptist, “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30)

As a pastor myself, this is extremely applicable to me. To be honest, adulation makes me uncomfortable, but at the same time there is a part of me that likes it. I’ve got to be on my guard! My goal in ministry is to raise up disciples of Jesus, just as He commanded in the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:18-20) I am grateful to say that I have raised up a few, but that number never approaches the number of people in the church. However, I’m never to give up, but always keep pointing people to Jesus. One thing I think I’ve done right was commented on by a believer who moved here from another part of Japan. He said, “I’ve never encountered another pastor who was so open about his weaknesses and imperfections.” I’ve messed up in so many different ways that I don’t see how I could be otherwise, but at the same time I know I wouldn’t be that way if I weren’t convinced that God loves me anyway. I can make true disciples of Jesus Christ only to the degree that I am one myself.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for Your incredible, gracious faithfulness toward me, even though my own faithfulness has certainly been less than perfect. Help me be an effective example and mentor to draw many more into genuine discipleship, for the sake of the Body of Christ and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!