Station 9 / 10
Make disciples
Share Jesus naturally and help one person grow.
You're probably here if
- you want your friends to know Jesus but freeze when it comes up
- someone newer to faith looks up to you
- you've grown and want to pass on what you've learned
- you think sharing faith is only for pastors
What this is
Jesus' last command was to make disciples of all nations, baptising them and teaching them to obey Him (Matthew 28:19-20). That's for every follower, in ordinary life.
Live openly as a Christian, pray for your friends, ask good questions, and when the moment comes, tell them what Jesus has done for you. Explain your hope with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). The results belong to God.
Making disciples also means investing in someone. Paul told Timothy to pass on what he had learned to faithful people who could teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). That is how the gospel has spread for two thousand years.
You don't need to know everything. Read the Bible with someone, pray together, be honest about your struggles, and point them to Jesus.
Hold on to this
And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.
Read slowly: She told her townJohn 4:28-42
28Then the woman left her water jar, went back into the town, and said to the people, 29“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” 30So they left the town and made their way toward Jesus. 31Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32But He told them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” 33So the disciples asked one another, “Could someone have brought Him food?” 34Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work. 35Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest. 36Already the reaper draws his wages and gathers a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together. 37For in this case the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38I sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done the hard work, and now you have taken up their labor.” 39Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days. 41And many more believed because of His message. 42They said to the woman, “We now believe not only because of your words; we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man truly is the Savior of the world.”
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect.
Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.
We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.
Where to next
- Pray for three peopleWrite down three people who don't know Jesus. Pray for them by name daily.
- Practise your storyIn under two minutes, write how you came to Jesus: before, meeting Him, now. Tell a Christian friend first.
- Ask one good questionAsk a friend: Have you ever thought much about faith? Then really listen.
- Invite someone alongInvite a friend to church, to a meal with Christians, or to read Mark with you.
- Invest in one personAsk a newer Christian to meet every two weeks to read and pray together.
Watch out: Waiting until you're ready
Many think they must know much more before they speak. You already know enough to say what Jesus has done for you.
Pray
Lord Jesus, give me love for people who don't know You yet, and courage to speak. Open doors, give me the right words, and use my ordinary life to point others to You.
4 weeks at this station
A short step most days, about five minutes, with two open days a week. Read any day ahead; you tick it off on its day.