“The quality of our lives often depends on the quality of our habits” James Clear
“All over the world the gospel is bearing fruit and growing since the day you heard it!” Colossians 1:6
The truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ grows within those who believe it. Eternal truth should never stop producing results in our hearts, but neither should the Gospel truth cease bearing fruit in the earth.
John the Baptist preached repentance in order to prepare the way for the Good News of Jesus.
“Prepare your hearts for the coming of the Lord . . .clear a straight path inside your hearts…” Mark 1:3 (MBT)
The Gospel is a message for the heart of mankind. Change begins in the repentant heart. By preaching repentance, John created an atmosphere of expectation for the coming of the Messiah. He ushered in a conviction of repentance. John spoke with the authority and anointing of the Holy Spirit. So did Jesus. Following John’s ministry Jesus not only preached the message of the Gospel, but He made disciples to carry the good news throughout the known world. How did He do it? What did Jesus look for in a disciple? Great questions. Here’s the answer:
JESUS RECRUITED (ATTRACTED) FOLLOWERS WILLING TO LEARN, LEAD AND BE TRANSFORMED.
- WILLING TO LEARN
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus was strategic. He knew he would lay His life’s work and the Gospel on the shoulders of His followers. They would have to be teachable now so they would be teachable after He was gone. Certainly, John the Baptist had stirred an expectation among the people of his day. The people were ready for Jesus as well as for His message. But in the long run, were they teachable? Were they changeable? Were their hearts gentle and humble? Would they take up His yoke (call) and continually learn of Him by the Holy Spirit? Making disciples means training and equipping those who will carry the Gospel forward. The end game of evangelism is discipleship. Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples not just converts! His command in Matthew 28:18-20 is crystal clear.
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 everything I have commanded you.
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