Our Discipleship Journey: Part 1Sample

The Words, Works, and Ways of Jesus

We’re often well-versed in the words of Jesus – the things He said about Himself and the Kingdom – and we can talk about His works – His miracles and acts of mercy, justice, power, forgiveness, and healing. But we’ve largely overlooked Jesus’ ways – the methods by which He set a movement in motion. He started with a few for the sake of many, making disciples who would, in turn, make more disciples. Jesus didn’t launch a program or even call His disciples ‘the church.’ He simply started with a select few friends, inviting them and challenging them to put their trust in Him.

Jesus’ discipleship ways included engaging meaningfully with people of peace (a concept we’ll explore tomorrow). We see Him connecting with and calling Simon and Andrew, two local fishermen He already knew through His cousin, John the Baptist. As you think about discipleship, start by following the relational pathways in your life – connecting with those already in your world. The brothers Simon and Andrew were soon joined by James and John, who were intrigued by the invitation to come and see for themselves who Jesus was.

Jesus’ disciple-making process was also fluid, rapid, and devoid of any classroom or programmatic orientation. He was a master of moving relationships from casual to meaningful to spiritual – and finally to a place where He could reveal the Kingdom. It’s encouraging to remember that God is constantly at work around us, often in ways we might not immediately recognise. We need to be attuned to the spiritual rhythms in our everyday interactions and relationships. Just as Jesus was intentional in His approach to discipleship, we, too, are called to be deliberate in our engagement with others, always seeking opportunities to nurture spiritual growth and understanding. The beauty of Jesus’ discipleship method lies in its simplicity and adaptability. He just met people where they were – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He engaged with them in their daily lives, using their familiar surroundings and experiences as teaching moments.

Jesus’ approach to discipleship wasn’t about creating a holy huddle of religious experts. It was about transforming ordinary individuals from all walks of life into bearers of the good news. It was far less about information and far more about life-on-life imitation. As we embark on this discipleship journey, let’s challenge ourselves to move beyond merely knowing about Jesus to actually doing what Jesus did. Let’s be attentive to the Spirit’s leading, open to the relationships God is bringing into our lives, and intentional about investing in others as Jesus invested in His disciples. Reflect on your unique context. Where might God already be at work? May He give you discernment, courage, and wisdom. May you be mindful of Jesus’ words, inspired by His works, and transformed by His ways as you participate in God’s Kingdom-building mission on Earth.