CHRIST’S METHOD OF LIFE-ON-LIFE DISCIPLESHIP
When Jesus went into the home of the synagogue ruler whose daughter had died, He only permitted three of the Twelve to follow inside. Peter, James and John were often singled out for such occasions. They were witnesses on that day of Jesus raising the synagogue ruler’s daughter up from the dead. At other times, they were privileged to witness the Transfiguration and were humbled to be invited into Christ’s inner circle in the Garden of Gethsemene, even if they couldn’t stay awake for the prayer time.
Why were these three given such special consideration? The Scripture doesn’t answer this “why” question (It rarely does), but perhaps the influence they had after Christ’s ascension might be a clue. For Peter was the Rock who preached the first sermon on Pentecost, James was the first of the Twelve martyred and John was the last living apostle, the one to whom Jesus entrusted the care of His mother.
Christ’s ministry involved working with various numbers of people. He fed and preached to 5,000. He appeared to 500 at one time after His resurrection. He called 120 to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. He sent 70 out two by two. He called 12 to follow and be with Him. And from the Twelve, He called 3 to be His closest followers. Christ’s ministry involved working with different numbers of people, but His method of discipleship was always life-on-life.
We can only truly invest our lives into a few people at a time. The truth is that life transformation happens in relationship, in community, not in a classroom. We can minister to a multitude, but making disciples requires a life-on-life approach.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You that we have heard Christ’s invitation to be His disciples. We have answered this call by faith. Now strengthen us not only to follow Jesus, but to also be busy making disciples as He has commanded. May we always follow Christ’s method of life-on-life discipleship. In Jesus’ name, amen.