Matthew 4:18 - 20 (ESV)
While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 28:18 - 20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Every follower is a fisher. Every disciple is a disciple-maker.
Disciple means “learner.”
Disciples help others keep learning who Jesus is.
Mark 3:14 (ESV)
And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and that he could send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.
The key of discipleship is the “Be With” factor.
I can’t afford to only encounter the mind of Jesus, I have to encounter his heart as well.
Effective Discipleship:Be with people that you love, or are actively loving and leading, while you have on your heart what is on the heart of God.
Come and learn more about Jesus by being with me.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)
“Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.”
Philippians 4:9 (ESV)
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things and the God of peace will be with you.
I’d Rather See a Sermon - Edgar Guest
“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way. The eye is a better pupil, more willing than the ear. Fine counsel is confusing, but example is always clear. And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds. For to see a good put in action is what everybody needs.”
We learn more about Jesus, by being with those who have spent time with Him.
1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV)
We were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
Don’t just live before people and not tell them why. You tell them, “Because of Jesus I do this…”
Let people learn from you:
Do it for them.
Do it with them.
Watch them do it.
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
This is a call for followers of Jesus to know why they live their lives the way they do.
Don’t add another “thing” to your life, add people to your life.
Discipleship isn’t just another “class” we need to take.
Invite people into the life I’m already living.
We are the “light of the world and the salt of the earth.” As people encounter us the saltiness we carry from being in God’s presence should cause them to thirst for it themselves.
Discussion Questions:
1.Read Matthew 4:18 - 20 What does Peter and Andrew’s immediate response to Jesus’ invitation to “follow me” tell us about what true discipleship looks like?
2.Do you agree or disagree with the statement, “Every follower of Jesus is a fisher and every disciple is a disciple-maker? Why or why not?
3.Read Mark 3:14 How does a disciple’s willingness to “be with” Jesus relate to the level of authority they carry to influence people and advance God’s Kingdom?
4.Read 1 Corinthians 11:1 Do you believe your life is being lived in a way that others would be led to Jesus through your example? Why or why not?
5.What are some ways you can invite others into the life you are already living to lead them closer to Jesus?