DNA Discipleship 1
1 John 1:1-2
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
How did Jesus make disciples? You can spend a lifetime on this question. Let’s observe what is recorded in the Scriptures. Jesus spent time with his disciples. They ate, talked, walked and shared life together for 3 years. Jesus asked them questions, gave them impossible tasks, deliberately broke traditions and challenged their thinking. He angered religious leaders and welcomed outcasts. He healed on the Sabbath and asked them to feed 5000 people. He had them watch miracles at weddings and on death beds. Sometimes He let them fail and he would help them learn. Sometimes He let them succeed but told them not put confidence in their successes. He demonstrated that he had absolute authority over the weather and demons and life itself. It was not about ‘God theory’. It was a constant interaction with God, and life transforming.
Reflect:
- Compare your experience with Jesus and the Scripture passage above.
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
There were 40 days of rain at the time of Noah. Moses was 40 days with God when he received the 10 commandments. The people of Israel were 40 years in the desert. Jesus was tempted by Satan for 40 days
:
Reflect:
- What is the biggest obstacle you face that affects your learning about God?
- How does Jesus being tested for 40 days motivate you?