Why do we make disciples the way we do?

First Jesus modeled the group of three with Peter, James and John.  They received special invitations to places the others were not (Matthew 17:1-3; Luke 8:51-56; Mark 14:32-33).  Secondly Jesus knows that intimacy with Him and others is critical to a disciple’s maturity. Intimacy is difficult to experience in larger groups.  Men or women are less likely to confess their deepest struggles in a large group. Third Jesus sent the disciples to the work by twos. Jesus knew disciples would need one another (there are more than 80 ‘one another’ statements in the N.T.). Jesus knew that accountability and encouragement are inseparable.  Fourth Jesus told his disciples to go and be fruitful and multiply.  This pattern of disciple making bears much fruit – disciples making disciples (Mt. 28:19; 2 Tim. 2:1).  Finally the Holy Spirit led us to make disciples in the same pattern. The evidence is disciples are making disciples and their disciples are making disciples and so on. Jesus said “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing’ (John 15:4-5). In addition Jesus said “But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold” Mark 4:20). 

Why do we read repetitively?

First Jesus said ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples” (John 8:31). The word of God must abide (live in) in his disciples. Secondly we read the Bible repetitively because we are born again by the word of God and by it we mature in our salvation” (1 Peter. 1:23, 2:2). Third, the Bible is filled with hidden treasures. It is like an onion with multiple layers. The Holy Spirit peels back layers to only those who seek God with all their heart. As each layer is removed the Holy Spirit reveals deeper insight to the word of God while growing the relationship with him. Fourth reading Scriptures tunes our spirit to hearing God’s voice. Jesus said “But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens.  The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers’ (John 10:2-5).  Finally no man can exhaust the hidden treasures found in Scripture. God’s word is deep, wide, long and high.  

Key takeaway:

True disciple relationship is not between a disciple and another disciple. The key relationship is between a disciple and Jesus! 

We grow from a baby/infant (milk) to a child (some solid food) to a young man to a father (ref. 1 John 2:12-14). 

True biblical discipleship grows into friendships.  It goes deeper than a Bible Study, Program, Sunday School Class, Men or Women Ministry, or Sunday morning service.  It is a group of men or women (2-3 most) living life together throughout the week.  It is living life together as Jesus modeled for us and allowing His life to flow in and through us as we grow in intimacy with Him.