Simple Reminders
The primary idea you need to keep revisiting during this Following Jesus Pathway is that we are following and being formed by Jesus. This pathway can be learned simply or in great depth. We trust that you as a leader know your people and the dynamics of your group well enough to adapt and impart this topic with grace and wisdom.
This guide is designed to help you and others follow and be formed by Jesus. Remember to keep it Jesus-Centered.
We pray that you will be Spirit-Led and Spirit- Empowered as you lead and learn together.
Brief Commentary and Context
(Answer this question here: What did this mean in the original context and how is it set in the larger story of the Bible?)
Definition of a “Disciple”
A disciple is someone who is following and being formed by Jesus in all of life.
Linguistically, the word for “disciple” in the Greek is ‘mathetes’, and, although we translate it “disciple,” it also means learner, student, or follower. This word is most akin to the environment of an internship where an expert apprentices a student toward competency in a trade or skill. This relationship involves head knowledge but focuses upon applying that knowledge to everyday situations of life to equip the learner with wisdom. *https://discipleship.org/blog/what-is-a-disciple-three-key-characteristics/
Brief Commentary for Luke 9:18-27
After following Jesus for three years having witnessed his life, miracles and teaching the disciples journey came to a climactic point, a moment of truth. Jesus looked at his first followers and asked a riveting question, “who do you say that I am?” Peter had been waiting for his moment to shine and exclaimed, “the Christ of God.” What a revelation, what a moment! However, what Peter and the disciples thought this confession meant and what Jesus would soon reveal were very different. The disciples had fantasies of grandeur, power and freedom from Rome’s oppressive rule. They imagined a soon coming deliverance led by their Rabbi that looked more like success than suffering. They envisioned themselves at Jesus’ side winning the greatest of all victories. Jesus indeed is the Christ but he hadn’t come to win like they imagined, but rather to suffer and ultimately die before he would be raised to life and victory. The disciples wanted the kingdom without a cross. Jesus then opened up the very heart of what it would mean for them to follow him. He invited them to deny themselves and take up their cross daily, to lose their lives to ultimately save them. The call to be disciples is more costly than they ever imagined and at the same time far more wonderful! The question to the original disciples and us today remains, will we deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow him?
Summary Scripture: Matt 4:19- “And he said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”
Key Idea: A disciple is someone who is following and being formed by Jesus in all of life.
Core Truths/Scriptures for the topic
Matt 10:37-39- “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
Ephesians 5:1-2 - Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God
John 5:19- Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”
1 John 2:3-6- We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
John 13:34-45- “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Extra Resources to help you Prepare
Anyone new in your home church?
Things to Consider:
Is the new individual, or family organically connecting with anyone in your home church? Suggest a coffee hang to begin a deeper connection, or consider having the individual/family over for an easy dinner to get to know them better.
Is the new individual, or family interested in receiving communication via text, or email? If so, have them email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name and phone number.
Do they plan to attend All Navah Gatherings? If yes and it is a new family, they can email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name, their children(s) name, DOB and grade to make for a smooth kids ministry check-in process.