Page 21 - In His Image

Chapter Four

Why The Need for Disciples

"God, the Word of God and the souls of men... will last eternally.”

Dr. Jerry White, the president and CEO of the Navigators stated that "according
to the Bible, God, the Word of God and the souls of men, are the only things that
will last eternally. To the extent that you are involved in these three things, you
are involved in eternity."

Disciples are a product of this kind of thinking. Disciple makers are bringers of
this eternal message. They preach, minister and model that which is eternal. God,
His word and their effect on men's souls consumes them. It is their desire to
"see" Christ in others that fuels them. The recognition of the precious gift they
have been given and the call to share it with others becomes their mission, their
ministry. Freely they have received; freely they desire to give. Those who can
think and act with an eye on eternity are those who will make disciples.

I would like to define the need for disciples by referencing five (5) scriptures.
Each adds a piece to the tapestry of the need for disciples. Understanding each
provides insight as to why disciples are required to spread God's Kingdom.

One

John 1:35 — 39a "Again, the next day, John stood with two of His disciples. And looking at
Jesus as He walked, he said 'behold the Lamb of God!' The two disciples heard Him speak, and
they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned and seeing them following, said to them 'What do you
seek?' They said to Him 'Rabbi' (which is to say, when translated Teacher), 'where are You
staying?' He said to them 'Come and see.'”

This was the beginning of Christ's calling of His disciples. John and Andrew were
probably the first two called and are the two disciples referenced here. Notice
that they “heard Him Speak..." What they heard compelled them to follow. Jesus
notices their pursuit of Him and asks “what do you seek?" They immediately refer to
Him as "Rabbi," which translates "teacher." What they heard immediately caught
their attention, for they knew He was a Teacher with "authority." They are asked
what they want and invited to come and see if He is what they thought!

In His Image 13