As followers of Jesus Christ, our ultimate source for examples and teaching related to disciple-making is Jesus Himself. Sometimes we miss His disciple-making actions. The Bible is our source book about Jesus, and as a result it is our source book about disciple-making. The further we get from the source, the greater the possibility for distortion or distraction. Open the Bible. Read passages that involve Jesus.
PRACTICAL IDEA: I want to challenge you to go through the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) with two different colors of highlighers (eg. yellow and green). Every time Jesus speaks, highlight with yellow. Every time Jesus acts, highlight with green. This will help you you focus on His teaching and example. Remember Jesus’ words in the Great Commission, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 19:20a, ESV). Ask yourself what is the disciple-making point of His teaching and example.
Test everything you read in disciple-making articles and books by the source book and by Jesus’ example and teaching. Instead of asking “What would Jesus do?”, ask “What did Jesus do?” or “What did Jesus teach?” Teach what you learn. Teach this skill. Help your disciples pass along this skill. That is disciple-making!
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