More by Todd Wilson & Rick Warren & Robert Coleman

Author:Todd Wilson & Rick Warren & Robert Coleman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Zondervan
Published: 2016-02-29T16:00:00+00:00

Extending from the center of the lens are lines that represent the practices and behaviors Jesus modeled. The rest of this section provides a brief overview of each of these elements.

Put yourself in the shoes of the apostle Peter or another of the other disciples who spent three years with Jesus. Step into the Gospel story and “live with Jesus” for three years. Read through one of the four Gospels of the Bible looking specifically at how Jesus interacted with and taught his disciples. As you do, think about your own life. How are these elements present or lacking? In looking at Jesus’ way of making disciples with Dr. Coleman, we see the following characteristics.

JESUS

This may seem obvious, but he must be our starting and ending point. We are about Jesus. The fullness of him in us and through us brings life to everything else. Jesus is the subject of our affection and devotion. He is the author and perfecter of our faith and the One who gives meaning to our lives. We are to make disciples of him, not of ourselves or our idols. There is one Master and Lord.

INTENTIONALITY

Jesus was the most intentional and strategic person in history. He handpicked twelve followers and devoted three years of ministry to disciple them. He was not random. While he spoke to large crowds, his focus was still heavily on the development of the twelve disciples even in those settings. He could have chosen a pathway to speak to millions of people through large, stadium-like events. He could have used the power and worldly kingdom of Rome to shape future generations. He showed God’s power through miracles and could have focused on revivals and healings. But the foundation of the New Testament church was based on the simplicity of discipling twelve followers to forever change the world.

RELATIONSHIP

Jesus lived in close proximity with the twelve disciples. Their lives were so deeply intertwined that they were like family. Relationships take commitment, intensity, time, and proximity. Relationships are the incubator for discipleship and the transformation that accompanies it. Dr. Coleman’s yearly recruiting of his disciples resulted in a much different context for discipleship than that of teaching in a classroom. It’s through relationships that our lives intertwine, trust is built, and we gain permission to speak into each other’s lives.

TEACHING

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations . . . teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). Jesus ties his teaching to discipleship. His teaching establishes the standard by which we are to live. His teaching helps his followers answer the most basic question, “As a disciple of Jesus, how should I live?”

So what is our authoritative standard? Obviously Jesus’ words as reflected in the Gospels are vitally important. But the Bible did not exist when Jesus gave this command. He relied on those listening to his commands to pass them along in their own teaching and writing. We can trust that the truths given throughout the New Testament represent Jesus’ teaching.

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