“Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).
True discipleship is more than belief; it is a life devoted to learning, living, and teaching the truth of God’s Word. In both Hebrew and Greek, the word disciple literally means student.
A disciple is not merely a follower but one who studies with purpose, seeking to understand and apply God’s instruction. Ezra gives us a timeless model: he studied the Word, obeyed what he learned, and then taught it to others. This is the heartbeat of genuine discipleship.
Many people today think of discipleship as simply following Jesus, but biblical discipleship involves intentional learning. Knowledge and obedience are inseparable. Study leads to doing and doing leads to teaching. Without study, our faith risks becoming shallow or emotional, guided more by feeling than by truth.
Some believers worry that deep study might replace spiritual passion, but in Scripture the “heart” is not just the seat of emotion; it is the center of understanding and decision. To love God with all our heart, soul, and mind is to engage our whole being in knowing Him.
The more we study and internalize His Word, the more we learn to love Him rightly and live as He calls us to live.
Jesus said, “Everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). To be like Jesus, we must be taught and transformed by His words. He also said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Love for Christ is revealed not in sentiment but in obedience.
Ezra reminds us that true discipleship begins with setting our hearts on the Word. When we study deeply, live faithfully, and teach boldly, we continue the pattern Jesus gave His followers: to make disciples, not just converts. To make disciples, we must first be disciples.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to hunger for Your Word and to study it with a devoted heart. Teach me to live out what I learn and to share it faithfully with others so that my life may reflect the wisdom and grace of my Teacher, Jesus. Amen.
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