Jesus Christ is one of the most important figures in Christianity. He is considered to be the Son of God, who came to Earth to save humanity from sin.
One of the ways that Jesus accomplished this mission was by making disciples. In this article, we’ll take a look at how Jesus made disciples and what we can learn from his methods.
What is a Disciple?
Before we dive into how Jesus made disciples, it’s important to define what a disciple is. A disciple is a follower of a particular teacher or philosophy. In the context of Christianity, a disciple is someone who follows Jesus Christ and learns from him.
Jesus’ Approach to Discipleship
Jesus’ approach to discipleship was not like any other teacher of his time. He didn’t just give lectures or speeches; instead, he lived with his disciples and taught them through his actions. Here are some key aspects of Jesus’ approach:
1. Relationship Building
Jesus started by building relationships with people. He spent time with them, ate with them, and talked with them about their lives. This helped him establish trust and credibility with his followers.
2. Teaching through Parables
Jesus used parables or stories to teach his followers about God’s kingdom and how they should live their lives. These stories were relatable and easy to understand.
3. Modeling Behavior
Jesus didn’t just talk about how people should live; he modeled it for them through his own behavior. For example, he washed his disciples’ feet as an act of humility and service.
4. Sending Out Disciples
Once Jesus had trained his disciples, he sent them out into the world to continue spreading the message of God’s love and salvation.
Lessons We Can Learn
Jesus’ approach to discipleship has several lessons that we can apply to our own lives:
1. Build Relationships
To be an effective disciple maker, we need to build relationships with people. This means spending time with them, listening to them, and showing that we care. Use Stories and Examples
Using stories and examples is a powerful way to teach others. It helps people understand complex concepts in a relatable and memorable way. Model Behavior
As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. If we want others to follow our example, we need to model the behavior we want them to emulate. Empower Others
Just like Jesus sent out his disciples, we need to empower others to make a difference in the world. This means giving them opportunities to lead and serve.
Conclusion
Jesus’ approach to discipleship was effective because it was based on relationships, teaching through stories and examples, modeling behavior, and empowering others. By following his example, we can become effective disciple makers ourselves and make a positive impact on the world around us.