DEVOTIONAL: If I were to make a “Top 10 List” of Anabaptist/Mennonite quotes, somewhere near the top would be Hans Denck’s memorable statement that “No one can truly know Christ except he follow Him in life.” Mennonites love this quote because it embodies our cherished belief that the essence of Christianity is discipleship — following Jesus.
But Denck wasn’t finished with his thought. He goes on to say “And no one can follow him except by knowing him.” As good as the first half is, the full quote is much richer and worthy of contemplation. It invites you into its circular logic; to wrestle with the tension between following and knowing, knowing and following, faith and practice. Denck reminds us that as important as the life of discipleship is, it is dependent on and empowered by faith.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, we know you through the words of Scripture and through the writings and lives of those who have loved you and followed you throughout history. May our faith draw us to be your disciples, and in following you, may we come to know you fully. In your name we pray. Amen.