Day 7

7 - JESUS JOURNEYS WITH HIS DISCIPLES

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”

Matthew 4:19

What does disciple-making look like? When we think of discipleship, we often think of curriculum. What discipleship studies have you found to be effective? Or maybe we think of programs. What discipleship programs do you run that you have found to be effective? Or maybe we think of classes. What structure for discipleship classes have you found to be effective?

When you read through the Gospels and study the life of Jesus, you quickly discover that discipleship isn’t about curriculum, classes or programs. Discipleship is about relationships! Curriculum doesn’t make disciples.

“Programs don’t make disciples. Classes don’t make disciples. People do. Disciples make disciples. Disciple-making is done in the context of relationships.

Consider Jesus’ words to Andrew, Peter, James and John, four of His initial followers.

Come…. with me!

Follow me… stay close to me!

I will show you… model your character and priorities after me!

Relationship! Relationship! Relationship!

Jesus invited these young men on a journey to BE disciples who would make disciples.

Along their journey, Jesus gave His disciples FOUR CHALLENGES. We identify the process of the disciple-making journey with FOUR CHAIRS that correspond to these four challenges.

CHAIR ONE: The Spiritually Lost

Read John 1:35-39.

• Here, Jesus issues His first challenge, “Come and see.” What was Jesus inviting them to come and see? Did they already know that He was the Messiah? Had they already placed their faith in Him?

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CHAIR TWO: The Believer

Read John 1:43-45.

• Here, Jesus issues His second challenge, which immediately follows the first. “Come, follow me.” A disciple is a follower, a student, an apprentice, a mimic. Following then is a journey of becoming like Jesus. From what you know of the disciples, what are some of the ways they would need to become more like Jesus?

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CHAIR THREE: The Worker

Read Mark 1:16-20.

• Though this is the first account of the disciples in both Matthew and Mark, this event actually happens 18-21 months into Jesus’ journey with His disciples. Why do you think Jesus waited 18-21 months before challenging the disciples to fish for people?

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CHAIR FOUR: The Disciple-Maker

Read John 15:1-16.

• This was the night before Jesus would be crucified. He had been with the disciples now for over three years. He was now laser focused on the disciples living fruit-bearing lives. Fruit is full of potential. Fruit multiplies! How many times does Jesus mention fruit in this passage? What is the key to bearing fruit as a disciple?

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When Jesus selected the Twelve to be Apostles, He reaffirmed the value of relational disciple-making. Circle the statements here that speak to the priority Jesus placed on relationships.

“Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him. Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach,…”

Mark 3:13-14

• Jesus invested in “the ones He wanted.” Who is God placing on your heart to make a significant relational investment into their life?

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Apart From Him…

• Relationships are not easy. They are messy. People will disappoint us. They will frustrate us. Pray for God to give you the overflowing, supernatural strength you will need to invest in others.

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Walking As Jesus…

• Write down the name of at least one person in your life for each of the Four Chairs. Begin praying for each of them daily for God to work in their life as you journey with them to become disciples who make disciples.

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• My Personal Disciple-Making Plan: