Dear brothers and sisters,
The most precious commodity in discipling is time. I label time as a commodity because we put value on time. We even say time is money and calculate the value of our time in financial terms per hour.
When Jesus called his disciples with the words “Come, follow me”, he called them too be with him, to spend their time with him. It is within the close relationship of rabbi and disciples that discipling really happens. They walked together, spent their day together, ate together, interacted with the community together and often slept over at the same place together, especially when they were away from Capernaum which acted as the base from where they moved out.
Jesus taught his disciples on the go, integrating teaching and ordinary life. They did not only hear what Jesus said, the disciples could see and experience how Jesus put his teaching in practice.
A clear practical example often speaks louder than theoretical instruction but when teaching and lifestyle complement each other not only knowledge is transferred, but also the example of a lifestyle. This is true not only in spiritual life. But also in everyday life. A few months ago we as a family decided that we will keep a footbridge over the railway line clean. Many people need to use this bridge and it always is very unpleasant with a lot of garbage and filth. After the initial big clean it took only half an hour at a time to keep it clean. The result was that others began to organize a clean up drive in other areas of our neighbourhood. Just talking just not change behaviour, but setting an example invites other people to join in.
In inviting disciples into His life and spending huge chunks of time with them, Jesus could go beyond teaching and even beyond just setting an example, He could draw his disciples into a Kingdom lifestyle.
That means that a single disciple group meeting per week is not enough to disciple well. Look out for many more opportunities to share time with disciples, draw them into your life, do things together and integrate discipling into real life.
Discipling is never about transferring knowledge only.
It is about transferring life. And that asks for spending time together, much time.
Spending time will mean a sacrifice from everybody, The reward will be that the Kingdom of God will break through and transform a disciple group from a Bible study event to a true following of Jesus as part of the body of Christ.
Your Brother
Piet