“The quality of our lives often depends on the quality of our habits” James Clear
Last week’s devotional focused on the first of three qualities Jesus looked for in His disciples.
WILLING TO LEARN
Let’s dig into the second quality: WILLING TO LEAD! Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit. His discernment and boldness separated Him from other leaders of His day. He spoke with authority that amazed his listeners. He was decisive. He moved intentionally through the crowds. He knew what was in the hearts of men. He challenged the status quo of religious leaders. His ministry was marked by the anointing of the Holy Spirit. His disciples would be expected to do the same.
One day Jesus walked into the synagogue and read from the scroll temple leaders handed Him. They were known for reading the scriptures but on that particular day Jesus not only read the scripture, He fulfilled scripture! With power and authority the prophet words of Isaiah came to life. He concluded by saying “Today this word is fulfilled!” Here’s the passage His life fulfilled.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19 (KJV)
Over the three and a half years they followed Jesus, His disciples watched and learned to be led as He was led. As soon as Jesus knew they were ready, he pushed them out into opportunities. He was with them when they failed as well as when they succeeded. He sent them out without Him and exploded with joy at their results. He fathered them to the point that they would do greater things than He had done! This is discipleship. We father others to do greater things.
From the Day of Pentecost onward, they preached the Gospel with power and authority. They healed the sick. They cast out devils. They were led by the Holy Spirit. They took leadership of the movement that changed the world. Present day disciples should do the same. How? They must learn and lead. They, too, must step into the authority of the Holy Spirit as Jesus promised.
To disciple others we have to be willing to set the example. Those we train to be disciples must see us doing what Jesus did if we are to expect them to do what Jesus did. It’s that simple. We must be like Jesus. We must be authentic learners and leaders. Why? So those who we disciple will always hunger to learn and lead as well. What Jesus looked for in His disciples were not one-time qualities. They were the lifestyle qualities of a true disciple.
We reproduce who we are. We must be teachable, leadable and lead. Jesus reproduced Himself in His disciples. We can do the same. Next time the third, most vital, quality: Be transformed!
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