A Disciple-Maker ? Me?

DEVOTION BY DR. GERRY LEWIS FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HARVEST BAPTIST ASSOCIATION AMARILLO, TX

“And Jesus gathered all the preachers and teachers together and said, “Fellas, you have a unique calling and qualification that gives you the high responsibility to be an elite team who will teach people the secret of being like me so there will be more preachers and teachers. It’s all on you because you’re the only ones I trust to do it right.”

If you’re wondering what version of the Bible that is, you can just call it the GMUV (Goofy Messed Up Version).

You probably don’t need to be reminded that the Great Commission—make disciples of all peoples—was not given to a select, uniquely qualified group of preachers and teachers.

It’s for all of us—in all times and all places—who are followers of Jesus.

But how in the world are ordinary people supposed to do that? That’s way too much pressure without special training and education! What if we mess it up?

I think our branch of the faith family tree has a history of over-complicating faith with performancebased anxiety.

Let me encourage you to take a deep breath and let Jesus set you free from that anxiety.

You can be a partner with Jesus in disciple-making. I’m not kidding! You just need to be able to answer two questions.

Here’s the first one: Who is a disciple?

Did you know that the New Testament doesn’t give us an official definition of a disciple? We do, however, have glimpses into some of the character qualities and habits of a follower of Jesus that we can contemplate to envision a definition that gives us a sense of direction.

Here’s mine: A disciple of Jesus is a person who is on mission to live out the Christ-life.

Let’s unpack that a little.

On mission: There is a sense of purpose and direction to my life. I realize that I’ve been invited into an adventure that is bigger than me and I accept the invitation.

Christ-life: I love this idea from Dallas Willard that the question is not,“What would Jesus do?” The question is, “What would Jesus do if He were me?”

The Christ-life is Jesus living His life IN me, THROUGH me, AS me. (See Galatians 2:20)

He did not create me as a clone, but as a unique person through whom He desires to display His beauty and glory as I joyfully learn to walk in step with Him—loving who He loves, doing what He says, and demonstrating His character.

The second question: How do I partner with Jesus in discipling people?

The simplest answer is to walk this Christ-life journey in a community of travelers. Learn from those who have walked further than you. Slow down to walk alongside someone who is not quite as far along the path as you are. Let them see His life lived out joyfully in you and give them support and encouragement on their own journey.

You? A disciple-maker?

You’re invited. Will you?