Day 18 – Steps of discipleship

Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) “I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you with loving-kindness” Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”

Jesus hand-picked His Disciples and trained them for Three years before they were commissioned as Disciples. In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus gave His vision to the Disciples. There were large groups of people following Jesus as we read in numerous places in the New Testament, and we can diversify them into five categories:

• Curious Followers. Jesus had multitudes following him, even Jewish adherents. In the Bible Jesus encountered two kinds of people, some were curious about Jesus and the truth He embodies, while others were committed to Jesus. Are you only curious about Christianity or committed to having a relationship with the Lord?

• Believers. John 8:30 “As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.” Believers can be defined as those who professed their faith in Jesus Christ and who have received the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God into their hearts ultimately resulting in a new creation.

• Sending 70. Luke 10:1-2 “After these things, the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest.” These seventy are the ones who continued to follow Him, believe in Him, and understand His teachings. They served as the voice that proclaimed Him, arousing curiosity and preparing hearts.

• The 12 Disciples. Mark 3:14-15 “Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons” Jesus selected twelve to travel with Him in purposeful proximity as part of His mentor (teaching) strategy. They walked, talked, ate and slept together for approximately three years with the greatest Mentor ever. These twelve observed the miracles.

• The Inner Three. Matthew 17:1-4 “Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves”. Peter, James, and John were often chosen to go with Jesus when He distanced Himself for prayer. Jesus trusted these three which went on to become great spiritual leaders and mentors to others. Mark 14:33-34 “And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” Why this is important to know and what does this have to do with being a spiritual mentor? All of us started our journey by being curious about Jesus Christ. We have a choice to stay curious or to be a follower of Jesus and ultimately be part of His inner circle. 

Prayer: Lord give us a curious mind and a hunger for Your word and to have a close intimate relationship with You Lord through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

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