Why do we think that we need training in order to disciple someone? Did you know that all we really need is a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ and our story of how He has changed us?
But we’ve complicated disciple-making by telling ourselves we must go through a lengthy program or class in order to tell someone about Christ, or disciple another follower of Jesus.
But what did Jesus do? What did He model for us? Because that’s what we should be doing. Afterall, that’s what it means to be a disciple or follower of Jesus. We imitate Him.
Look at the woman at the well in John chapter 4. Jesus didn’t even give her time to clean up her life after she met Him! Instead, she left her water jar at the well and hurried back into town. She spread her story all over town, “Come meet a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”
Her question, “Could this be the Christ?” sounds like doubt to us, but it wasn’t. It was like saying, “Come see yourself whether He is the Christ, or not.” We know this because John wrote that many from the town believed in the woman’s testimony about Jesus (vs. 39).
This wayward woman had an encounter with Jesus, believed in Him and immediately (despite her reputation) went and told others. And her testimony was very effective—perhaps even more so because of her reputation.
Or consider the man possessed by many demons in Luke 8. This man lived among the tombs. He wore no clothes, terrorized the villagers, and was plagued by the demons who lived inside him. Jesus healed him, casting out the demons.
Immediately, the man regained his right mind. He was clothed and sitting at Jesus’ feet when the townspeople came out to see what had happened. When they asked Jesus to leave, the healed man begged Jesus to let him go with Him.
But Jesus said, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” And the man obeyed Jesus and told all over town what Jesus had done for him.
Again, this man had no training. He hadn’t had time to clean up his past life. He simply told his story.
What’s your story? How did Jesus invade your life? What has been your experience with Jesus since coming to know Him?
You don’t have to know the answers to all the questions. You don’t have to be a Bible scholar. Simply tell your story and let God use you. Jesus is in you and with you by His Holy Spirit. He has already given you power and authority to tell others about Him.
And this is the essence of discipleship: representing Christ to others through our life and words.
©2019 Rob Fischer