The Gospels describe the process of the first believers becoming intentional disciples of Jesus. First they take to heart Jesus’ commands. They worship exactly as they had been instructed: “Do this in memory of me.” Empowered by their encounter with the Living God in their prayer experiences, they then labor to live the new commandment of love flowing forth from Jesus’ Presence and Power. This is the very same love they witnessed in His feet washing. Obedience always must be internalized. They grow in confidence and conviction of living in ways that liken their being grafted to Jesus just as the branch is to the vine. Increasingly their own motivations and daily decisions are shaped ever more by Jesus’ love. And the result? Their unmistakable joy hatches more and more believers.
