Practicing the Way -Introduction

Encounter: Find a quiet place and begin by focusing upon your breathing. On your last couple of breaths, take a slow, deep inhale and recite the words from Jesus; “Come, follow me.” As you exhale slowly say the words; “Here I am, Lord.”

Slowly read the words from Matthew 28:18-20. What word or phrase draws your attention? Sit with that word or phrase for a moment. Read the passage once again and take notice of what stirs within you. Do you feel anxious, concerned, excited, or peaceful?

“The Great Commission,” where Jesus sent the eleven to go out and make disciples in the “Way” of Christ. They followed and lived with Jesus for a short time. Jesus taught them how to follow and obey God. Now they were to go out and do the same as Jesus to the rest of the world.

Likewise, this calling is upon you to also go out and make disciples.

Last week, we explored what is a rabbi and what makes a disciple. I asked a question for you to contemplate with God; “Do you want to be a student of Jesus Christ?” and “why or why not?”

Jesus equipped the disciples with examples of what to do. Along with the Holy Spirit that was breathed upon them, they began their journey of going out and making disciples of their own according to the “Way” of Christ.

Do you feel equipped to go out and make disciples of Christ?

Over the next several weeks, we will embark on an apprenticeship program with John Mark Comer that will help equip us to continue our studies of Jesus as well as walking with others to help them know Jesus and do as He did.

The important fact is Jesus tells us to go out and “teach the new disciples to obey all the commands Jesus has given to us.” (Matthew 28:20 NLT) And to know that “He is with us always, even to the end of the age.” This helps us to know that we are not doing this alone or on our own strength or wisdom.

Reflect: Think about a time in which you were asked to follow Jesus. Reflect upon a time when you were invited to church. What happened after the invitation? Did anyone follow up with you later in the day or week to check up on you and see how they could help pray or walk with you?

Think about what you feel when God nudges you to speak to someone about Jesus. What do you feel inside? Do you feel nervous, anxious, or ill-prepared? What would you need to feel more prepared and to have the confidence that Jesus is with you as you speak to that person?

Jesus knew the disciples would also feel much the same way that we feel when we are asked or nudged to tell someone about Jesus. This is why He asked the Father to send the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us during our time of testimony.

Spiritual Practice: The more time we spend reading, studying, meditating on His Word, and praying, we grow in our knowledge of Jesus. Practice telling your story of your interaction with God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit and you will gain a little more confidence to tell your story to a stranger or neighbor down the road. Sit with God and ask him to reveal to you the story or stories to practice.

Gather: In your small groups, discuss with one another these questions;

1)    What do you feel in your body when you feel the nudge to tell someone about

Jesus? Are you able to follow through with the nudge and tell that person your story?

2)    When a new person visits your church, do you or anyone follow up with the

person or family later to check in with them and see how the church can pray or

walk with them? If it is a person you have invited, have you followed back up with

them?

3)    What scares you the most about being a disciple of Christ and how can the

Church help you overcome your fear?

Consider what your faith story or stories are and take the opportunity to share with your small group. The more we tell our stories to one another, the more confidence we build to tell it to others. After listening quietly to one another’s stories of faith, pray for the person and ask God to give them the strength, courage, and boldness to proclaim their testimony to whomever God places in their path.