(adapted from How Jesus Made Disciples by Doug Holliday) If you run a Google search of the word “discipleship,” you’ll find 19,800,000 results. Google “disciple-making” and you’ll find 33,200,000 results. Needless to say, there is a lot of content and conversation about disciple…stuff. Most of us would probably agree that this is an important topic, …
“And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.” Mark 16:20 NLT The disciples often seemed slow to understand Jesus’ purpose and plan. They grabbed for power. They hungered for national freedom, liberation from the tyranny of Rome. Yet when the time came for His departure, …
“When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread…. “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish… After breakfast Jesus …
“As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus,” Matthew 27:57 NLT The Gospels are full of unlikely, unnoticed disciples. When we hear the word “disciple,” or when we think about the disciples in the Gospels, we generally only think of the Twelve. But there were others… One disciple …
“The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”” Luke 23:35 NLT Was Jesus the Savior? Another word for Savior would be Deliverer. Was Jesus the Deliverer? The long awaited, eagerly anticipated, desperately hoped for, promised Messiah. Was Jesus the One? Jesus …
Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Matthew 26:41 What is this concept of “watch and pray” that Jesus challenges the disciples with? What are they to watch for? Is He speaking about the guards who are coming to arrest …
“Jesus sent Peter and John ahead and said, “Go and prepare the Passover meal, so we can eat it together.”” Luke 22:8 NLT Only the Gospel of Luke records that it was Peter and John who were sent ahead to prepare the Upper Room for the Passover feast. Matthew just speaks of “the disciples” doing this, …
“When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in …
The crowd was listening to everything Jesus said. And because he was nearing Jerusalem, he told them a story to correct the impression that the Kingdom of God would begin right away.” Luke 19:11 NLT One thing I’ve not really considered as much as I should when reading the Gospels is the hunger the Jewish …
“Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy.” Luke 12:1 NLT Jesus warned His apprentice leaders of hypocrisy’s end game. Hypocritical leadership is evil and must be avoided. 1. Hypocritical leaders are shut out …