And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again (2 Corinthians 5:15).

It is believed that there were about 5000 believers during the time of Christ. Among those believers, it was thought there were three types. The largest number of believers were those who came to Jesus for salvation. They served him little beyond coming to him to receive salvation. A much smaller number, say 500, actually followed him and served Him. Then, there were the disciples. These were those who identified with Jesus. They lived the life that Jesus lived. Each of these ultimately died in difficult circumstances. They experienced the hardships, the miracles and the fellowship with God in human form.

If you had to say which group best represented your life, which one would fall into - the 5,000 who simply believed, the 500 who followed and sought to implement what they were learning from the savior, or the 12 who identified completely with the life and mission of the Savior? Jesus has called each of us to identify with Him completely. "This is how we know we are in him; Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did" 1 (John 2:6).

Pray that God will allow you to walk as Jesus did. Experience His power and love in your life today so that others will see the hope that lies in you.