Mary’s Disciple

Bible Reading: Luke 9:23-26; John 10:14-15

“Mary had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb…” Brielle stopped singing as she entered the kitchen. “Hi, Mom. I’m going to do my devotions now before I go over to Ayla’s house to play.”

“Sounds good,” said Mom.

Brielle resumed her song as she went to her room and got out her Bible and devotional book. “It followed her to school one day, school one day, school one day…” Then there was silence as Brielle settled down and began to read.

Soon the song began again. “It made the children laugh and play, laugh and play, laugh and play…” In the kitchen, Mom smiled as the singing got louder. A minute later, Brielle stood in the doorway. “I’m all done, Mom.” Brielle grinned. “Mary had a good disciple, didn’t she?”

Mom raised her brows. “A good what?”

“A good disciple. The Bible story I read today was about Jesus’s twelve disciples. My devotional book says a disciple is a follower—and Mary’s lamb followed her wherever she went,” Brielle explained. “The lamb was a good disciple.”

Mom laughed. “I guess you’re right. Like the song says, the lamb was so eager to be with Mary that it even followed her to school.”

Brielle nodded. “We should follow Jesus like that, shouldn’t we? Even if kids at school think we’re weird.”

“You’re right about that,” said Mom. “All of us who know Jesus—whether we’re kids or adults—must follow Him. Others may laugh at us, but Jesus was laughed at too when He suffered and died for our sins. He was willing to make that sacrifice so we could be saved and have eternal life, so we should be willing to make sacrifices for Him. We should do what He wants us to do no matter what other people think.”

Brielle nodded thoughtfully. “The Bible says Jesus is the Good Shepherd and we are His sheep, doesn’t it? So I guess Mary’s lamb is a good example of how we should live as Jesus’s disciples!”

“That’s right,” said Mom. “Jesus loves us and promises to take care of us, just like Mary took care of her lamb. That’s why we can trust and follow Him.”

-Hazel W. Marett

How About You?

Are you a follower of Jesus? Have you trusted Him to save you from sin? Then you are His disciple. He’s teaching you to trust Him in every situation, to obey His commands, and to love others the way He does. There will be times when others laugh at you because you trust in Jesus, but He will never leave you. He is the Good Shepherd who loves and cares for His sheep. Follow Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Luke 9:23 [Jesus said,] “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be a follower of Jesus