Making Disciples
Sharing meals, sleeping under the star-studded sky of Palestine, and walking the dusty roads together, Jesus poured his life and teaching into twelve disciples, knowing that the day would come when he would no longer be with them physically. The time our Lord invested in teaching, encouraging, and, at times, rebuking those closest to him was a vital part of his ministry. After his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, these same disciples scattered and fled. Even after his resurrection appearances, Peter, together with several others, went back to their old jobs as fishermen.
Making disciples is no easy task. Whether we are raising our children or pouring our lives into others who belong to the family of God, we can expect setbacks and times when their faith falters. When this happens, we need to remember and follow the example of Jesus, who sought out his wayward disciples.
I love the story in the final chapter of John’s gospel. Jesus seeks out Peter and those who followed him back to their old way of life. He cooks them breakfast by the seashore! And afterward, the Lord engages Peter in a conversation intended to help restore his faith and calling. The result? Peter becomes the great preacher who shares the good news on the Day of Pentecost when three-thousand souls are saved. Perseverance and the willingness to make the sacrifices needed to help others grow strong in their Christian faith is the way of Jesus when it comes to making disciples.
May we follow our Lord’s example.
And the best disciple-makers are keenly aware of their own struggles. That’s why we should never forget that we, ourselves, are called to a lifetime of becoming disciples.
In Christ,
Dan
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You can listen to my weekly messages at Embrace Church, High Point.