What Jesus Said About Following HimSample

I leave.

Read Matthew 28:16-20 - And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness… Jesus sent them out with the following instructions: As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.

What is happening here? Jesus demonstrated to His followers and disciples what had to be done. He said: "I demonstrated to you what needs to be done. Now, go and do the same! I will help."

1. He was there to coach them.

2. Jesus gave clear instructions.

3. He gave them clear authority.

4. He clearly indicated what they could expect (Matthew 10:16-42).

Jesus was, thus, actually saying: You do; I help and watch. The followers become practitioners.

The last stage of Jesus' training to His followers was: You do, I leave. There came a point where Jesus left, but He prepared His disciples to take over the work. Every disciple-maker must follow the same process with new converts and other disciples.

Step 1: I (Jesus) do; you watch and learn.

Step 2: I do; you watch and help.

Step 3: You do; I (Jesus) watch and help.

Step 4: You do; I leave.

Step 5: You (the new disciple-maker) do; new disciples (converts) watch and learn.

Step 6: You do; the new disciples help and watch.

Step 7: The new disciple-makers do; you watch and help.

Step 8: The new disciples do; you leave.

Step 9: Repeat process.

Do you feel equipped to go and make disciples and disciple-makers? If you work through this series of 25 Bible Studies, you will be better equipped to do it. Gather a group of four people and work through these Bible Studies.