By Bill MacLeod, Director, MissionConnexion
One who “follows and spreads the teaching of another,” is called a disciple. Matthew 4:19 would suggest that a disciple is someone who is following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and is committed to the mission of Jesus.
I picture the disciples being with Jesus every day for three years experiencing all these aspects without really thinking about which of the three categories they were fulfilling because it was all done in relationship with him.
One minute they are fishing, or collecting taxes, and the next they are with Him, going wherever He is headed. Next, they are trying unsuccessfully to cast out demons, or on a mountain with Him when Moses and Elijah join them, and a Voice says “Listen!” Finally, under the direction and power of the Holy Spirit, they are proclaiming Jesus to Kings, religious authorities, and Gentiles with compelling resilience.
When we choose to follow Jesus, we experience similar supernatural wonders in a very natural ‘down to earth’ surrounding.
I have been listening to testimonies of those who are actively helping others to become disciples, by training but also by going and showing how they do it. Many have testified to the power of simple prayer, asking the Lord to lead them to people and how He answered in quite unusual ways. Prayer is a key component in all we do but especially when we go out with the expressed desire to share the Gospel with those in need.
When one woman goes shopping at Winco's she just asks the cashier at check-out if there is anything she can pray for them about as she drives home with her groceries. Seldom do strangers refuse prayer and while many are not asked the question often if ever, they usually can think of something, and often with tears, express real felt needs. She makes it clear before she leaves them that she believes in Jesus who loves to answer our prayers.
Jesus may not have used a tool to share, per se, but those following Him may have understood what one disciple maker shared about thinking in terms of 4 questions:
“Why?” …we should know the purpose behind our motivation, Ephesians 2:4 “because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
“Who?” two groups: us, His disciples, and all who come seeking Him, i.e.. Those who are far from God but close to us!”
”What?” – what is it we share? Again 2 things: Your Story and God’s Story…short testimony to connect with people and the Good News. And finally…
“When?” deciding times to pray for lost people, deciding times to share with the lost and deciding times to share with others how to do the same.
A disciple listens, learns, reproduces.
Another person aiming to disciple in the way of Jesus speaks of hoisting up “7 Sails” that involves:
Discipling in the way of Jesus can take all forms to fit your personality, understanding and where you find yourself in your walk with Him. I hope that you are experiencing His leading and that you will choose some of these opportunities to grow in the way of Jesus.
This article taken from an article published on the Mission Connexion website. See https://missionconnexion.global/discipling-in-the-way-of-jesus/