Disciple ! Online Study

Intro   Lesson 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   [Download PDF of entire study]

Lesson 4  

Disciples Teach

Take a look at our passage again:

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:16-20)

Chosen For Two Reasons

When Jesus chose his original disciples, we are told that they were chosen for two reasons: "to be with him" and "to be sent out." The "to be with him" focuses on the disciple as learner. The "to be sent out" focuses on the disciple as teacher. Obviously, the two need to go together.

Me? Teach? Yes. You Teach

You may not think of yourself as a teacher. But you must remember that teaching isn’t just lecturing in front of a bunch of bored people in rows of desks! Teaching happens in many ways. Most importantly, we teach by example. Jesus modeled a way of life for us, and we learn it and model it for others. That’s what brought Christ’s message down through the centuries – teaching by example, passed down from generation to generation.

For Example…

You might think of your life … in what ways areas of your life are you a good and growing (nobody expects you to be faultless) example? What areas of your life do not yet set a good example? Example is essential, but it is not the only essential dimension of our mission as disciples. How do we put our faith into words to help other people? Jesus’ example in this teaches us so much. Jesus used simple and clear language. He told stories – lots of stories. He made comparisons to familiar things. And he engaged in dialogue with people – he asked questions and listened; he never just talked at people.

Four Suggestions

For you to teach others (the technical term for this is "evangelize"), Here are four suggestions:

Suggestion 1:

Listen to their story. Show respect for them by being interested in their lives, interests, backgrounds. Ask lots of questions. If you feel it’s appropriate to talk about spiritual matters, ask a question like, "Do you have a religious background?" Or invite them to talk by saying, "Tell me about your spiritual background." Sometimes, just asking, "Do you believe in God?" or "Where are you spiritually?" can open the door for great conversations.

Suggestion 2:

Tell them your story. It’s often best to be very gentle in this by asking permission or opening the door for further conversation, saying something like, "Sometime, if you’re interested, I can tell you about my own spiritual journey…." Or you can engage their curiosity by saying, "A few years ago, my life took a big turn for the better. I started paying more attention to the spiritual side of life." Or share with them what’s going on in your life: "I heard a really good message at church yesterday…."

Suggestion 3:

Tell them God’s story. There’s nothing better than simply recounting some of the stories from the Bible, especially stories by and about Jesus. Some people find it helpful to use a booklet or diagram to make the message as clear as possible. Very often, your friend’s questions will give you plenty to talk about. Many people have so many questions about God, but nobody they feel they can ask.

Suggestion 4:

Be an inviter, bringer, and an includer. If your friend is interested in learning more, invite him or her to church, or bring your friend to your small group. Include your as-yet-uncommitted friends in your life, so they can see your faith lived out in your personal life and the lives of your fellow disciples. Remember, though: your mission is not just to convey information. Your mission is to teach people a new way of living. Your words and your deeds must go together to help others learn how to live "life to the full" from Jesus.

Let’s pause for a moment:

Think of five friends of yours who could benefit by learning more about following Jesus from you. Write down their names. Pray for them. Plan to spend some time with them. See if "teachable moments" occur when you can dialogue with them about things that truly matter.

Lesson 4 Review

Disciples teach.
 

Used with permission of Brian McLaren and Cedar Ridge Community Church and adapted by Eric Flood