Identifiable

Pete Kersker - Jun 18, 2026

Jesus' followers had a pattern when Jesus was with them. They learned from Jesus as his disciples (students). They struggled through their doubts until they believed (agreed with) what Jesus taught them. Then, since Jesus was their Lord (leader in charge), they did what Jesus taught them to do.

The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch (Acts 11:26b NIV).

This pattern continued after Jesus ascended into the heavens and sent the Holy Spirit. Even the Gentiles (non-Jewish) learned what Jesus taught, believed (agreed with) what Jesus said, and then did what Jesus told them to do. This pattern, and the result, made them identifiable to the rest of the world. They needed a word to describe these people. The word was "Christian."

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35 NIV).

Do you learn from Jesus, believe what he says, and do what he tells you to do?
Does it make your life different from the rest of the world?
Do people identify you as a Christian?