Discipleship: Purpose

Jesus spent three and a half year with twelve disciples. He seemed to be focussed on their progress and sometimes frustrated by their lack of it. How would you summarise his purpose and plan for them. There was some teaching, some prac, lots of hanging out with him. With those that are following behind us, what are we trying to achieve in their lives? How are we going about accomplishing that? What can we learn from the master discipler?

Jesus talked a lot about the Father, and the kingdom. I believe if we can pass on the Father and the kingdom, that is enough theory. And all that is left is loving those we disciple and allowing them access into our lives. Discipleship is the Father, the Kingdom and those hours. The Kingdom is a place, and a journey to that place. That place is also called the Father’s house and the Father is the real destination. The time we spend is an investment in another generation, as guides on that narrow way – We can lead because we have passed that way before.

As we disciple others our purpose is to:
·    Show them the Father;
·    Live the Kingdom before them;
·  Teach them the Kingdom;
·   Guide them on the Kingdom trail;
·    Help them to mature, step by step; and
·  Encourage them until they gain the Kingdom for themselves.