When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. (John 17:1-4)

1. Strong disciples have a thorough grasp of the

For I have given them the words that you gave me… (John 17:8)

I have given them your word… (John 17:14)

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17)

Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. (Psalm 119:97)

2. Strong disciples have a growing, personal

And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3)

The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. (John 17:22-23)

3. Strong disciples advance the work of God in the church and in the world through

I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. (John 17:4)

As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. (John 17:18)

Main point: True discipleship requires that your head, heart and hands

Following in the Footsteps of Jesus:

Week 1: Pray specifically for someone you encounter regularly who may not know Christ.

Week 2: Connect with them; go out of your way to have a conversation (which means more than a quick hello).

Week 3: Find a way to serve them.

Week 4: Invite them to meet you at church on Easter.