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A friend of mine’s son is finishing up his student teaching. He’s getting ready for his own class one day, but this portion of his training is important. During this time, those that are training him are able to observe the way he interacts with the students, look over his lesson plans and provide feedback and advice.

His journey first started with an observation period where he watched the teacher. As he learned more, he progressed to this stage where he acted as the teacher, with help. And soon, he will complete the training and be ready to teach in his own classroom.

When he made the decision to become a teacher, there was never a question as to whether he would actually teach. That just doesn’t make sense does it? A teacher is someone who teaches. There must be an action that accompanies their occupation. Otherwise, they would simply be an observer or a student.

“Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.”

Luke 9:1-6

These men had been walking with Jesus, watching, listening, learning. And now, Jesus was sending them out to use what they had learned. This was their “student teaching” phase. Certainly, they would come back with stories of situations, the fears and worries they had and, of course, they would have lots of questions. But that’s what this stage was for. It was preparing them to go out on their own and make disciples themselves.

When they were called out by Jesus to be disciples, they learned what that meant and recognized that this required action. They wouldn’t just be a student of Jesus their whole lives, they would be required to use what they had learned.

And where would we be if they hadn’t?

If the disciples had let their fears, worries and threats stop them, where would that leave us? Being a disciple meant they would also be disciple-makers. And the gospel would advance throughout the world.

Last night, in a conversation with friends, the question came up, “can you be a Christian and not be a disciple/disciple-maker?” We know what the answer should be based on the example of Christ and His disciples, but, is that what’s actually happening in our culture?

Western culture prides itself on information exchange and expanding one’s knowledge. But what good is it unless you use it?

To be a follower of Christ requires action and commitment. There should never be a question whether or not a disciple will ever make other disciples. It’s like the example we saw of the student becoming the teacher. There is a progression that occurs as the student learns and matures. And there is an expectation that this person will in turn teach others.

What gives us the idea that it should be any different with us?

I know, I get it, this might be uncomfortable. I might be stepping on toes. Well, here’s another one for us.

We know this, yet, thousands of Christians are totally fine with attending a service and learning but for what? What will they do with what they have learned? They might let it soak in and think about it for their own life, but will they put it into practice and teach another?

Before you hit me with a million excuses, let me say this. These disciples didn’t know everything. They didn’t have all the answers, but they had the power of God with them. Do we not have the same as believers?

Yes!

If we want to see this world love the Lord and follow Him, we have to be the ones to teach them. We can’t just tell them, we have to show them.

Pray about who the Lord would have you disciple and then begin to show them who Christ is through your actions, your words and scripture. Help them learn what it means to follow Him so they can do the same for another.

We are disciples.

We are disciple-makers.

What are we waiting for?

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