During the COVID epidemic I became aware of how I needed to go deeper in my walk with Christ. We just seemed to be going through a cycle of activities and when COVID hit there was an emptiness. During that time a began to learn how Jesus ministered in the world with the express purpose of making disciples. When Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19), He was demonstrating that discipling for Him was:
- RELATIONAL (follow me)
- INTENTIONAL (I will make you) and
- MISSIONAL (fishers of people)
Firstly, Jesus invites the disciples to “come and follow me.” This shows that Jesus was personally involved in a relationship with these disciples. From this point forward, Jesus is going to make an even greater investment of time in these men, who will later become a part of His twelve apostles. These are not the Twelve yet—a group of faithful followers that He is going to take deeper.
Secondly, this challenge is clearly intentional. Jesus clearly says, “I will make you.” He had a clear goal and a clear plan for developing His disciples as reproducing disciple-makers. Immediately after challenging these disciples to become fishers of men, Jesus led them on six “fishing trips” to give them confidence in sharing their faith. He was intentional about developing His disciples as “fishers of men,” teaching them to reproduce their lives in others.
Thirdly Jesus’ challenge was missional, “I will make you fishers of men.” Jesus clearly knew His mission was to leave behind a movement of disciples capable of reproducing disciples themselves. While Jesus’ personal mission was to die on the cross for the sins of the world, His ministry calling was to advance His Father’s kingdom agenda by initiating a movement of multiplying disciples. This movement would become the Church, which eventually spread from Jerusalem to Judea and to the uttermost parts of the world, so that one day, “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language” will stand before the throne proclaiming, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (Rev. 7:9–10).
On Sunday, God willing, we will consider 1 Thessalonians 2. Under the series theme of, “Being a Healthy Church”, we see how Paul impacted the lives of others in “Effective Discipling.” Disciple-making is relevant to all Christ-follower as we impact the lives of others, as a parent, a Bible teacher, or as a more mature Christian.
Please, join us at 10 am for the Church Prayer Meeting and 10:30 am for the worship service. Following the service, we will have a time of fellowship and refreshments.
Bruce Davie, Elder/Pastor.