Grow Up

Pete Kersker - Jan 07, 2026

Jesus told his disciples (students) to go and make more disciples (students), baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded. Last year, we learned everything that Jesus commanded, taught, and even just said. That way we wouldn't miss out on the "teaching" part of his great commission to us. Jesus taught us that we need to show up in order to follow him.

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46 NIV).

We also learned that Jesus tells us to grow up. A student (disciple) of Jesus does not just listen to what Jesus said to be able to repeat facts on a test. A real disciple (student) of Jesus learns and applies that teaching to his or her own life. In other words, Jesus' teachings causes his student (disciple) to grow up.

As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built (Luke 6:47-48 NIV).

Jesus said that he came to give us an abundant life (John 10:10), but we only experience it if we show up, listen to his teachings, and apply them. Our lives become like well-built houses that are on top of a solid foundation. The storms of life do not tear them down.

"But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete" (Luke 6:49 NIV).

How long have you been a follower (disciple, student) of Jesus?
Have you grown up during that time?
How do you weather the "storms" of life?