Page 94 - Discipleship Ministries Student E-Book

I’m sure that Jesus spent many long hours giving his disciples the instructions that they could
understand at the time. Sometimes they “got it,” but some things went over their heads. They traveled
great distances together and I am certain Jesus taught them what they needed to know to become
“fishers of men.” Jesus not only taught them, but He showed his disciples how to disciple others.

By the time you get to Christ’s third year in ministry, discipling his twelve, Jesus had informed them that
soon He would be going to Jerusalem and there He was to be arrested, tried, and crucified, but would
rise again on the third day. The disciples had resisted this teaching when Jesus set it before them.

Events in these passages of the Gospels reveal that Jesus’ disciples have still a long way to go to fully
understand the purpose of Christ’s visit to earth. In Matthew 18 the disciples asked the question about
being great in the Kingdom, but in Mark we discover that they had been arguing about which of them
would be greatest in the Kingdom. They were expecting Jesus to set up an earthly Kingdom and each
wanted a prominent position. Jesus had to remind them that to be first, they must assume the last
position.

Jesus was always patient with them. He let them mature at their own rate. In like manner, you will
want to develop a relationship with your disciple of trust and care. As Jesus did, take them with you and
teach them by showing them how to do things. When you are teaching about witnessing, take them to
share with someone. When teaching them about service, take them to the soup kitchen or to a widow
who is in need. Demonstrate with them the truth of what you are telling them during your teaching
times.

Developing other Significant Relationship

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