Make Disciples
Through Friendships and Relationships

One of our Inspirational Devotions

Friendships and Relationships are Vital

When my daughters Carey and Crystal attended Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, I occasionally visited them. While there, I loved to browse through the college library. One day, I stumbled onto a book entitled, Why Jesus Never Wrote a Book. It was actually a series of sermons that an old time preacher compiled in the 1800's. The first chapter was a sermon called, Why Jesus Never Wrote a Book. The chapter began, "Throughout history, almost every religious leader wrote a book, so why didn't Jesus?" The preacher's answer; "Because relationships change people, not books." His point was that if you want to fill someone's head, give him a book; if you want to change someone's heart, make him your friend.

photo courtesy of cybrgrl

Jesus Method was Friendships and Relationships

"Jesus" was God's method to change the 12 - and he didn't give them a book - he gave them himself. Jesus created a small group environment that gave his disciples a natural sense of belonging, care and accountability.

In his book, What Wives' Wish their Husbands Knew about Women, Dr. James Dobson says, "The reason the average woman would rather be beautiful than smart, is that she knows that the average man can see better than he can think." The truth is, we all see better than we think. Jesus knew that and that's why he wanted his followers to be with him in a variety of life settings.

"Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve - designating them apostles - that they might be with him." (Mark 3:13-14) The apostles were discipled through time spent with Jesus. Use your imagination. What lessons did his disciples learn when they saw Jesus let sinful people touch him? Or hold children on his lap? Or weep at Lazarus' tomb? Or rebuke the Pharisees? Or get alone to pray? Or wash their feet in the upper room?


Time in a variety of life settings is crucial

The idea of making life the classroom is the way Jesus prepared the twelve apostles. Who are you discipling? Do you spend time together in a variety of life settings? People can see better than they can think.

Author: Paul Schlieker www.bible-study-lesson-plans.com

1. What lessons did Jesus' apostles learn by being with Jesus?

2. What are the teaching advantages of friendships and relationships over a book?

3. How have you been influenced by spending time with someone?

4. Who are you discipling? What advantages do you see to spending time with this person in various life settings?

5. How can you maximize your friendships and relationships in order to train others to be more like Jesus?

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