Introduction: Jesus was a small group leader.
Leading others in discipleship through leading small groups or teaching Sunday School and Bible studies is to join in the call to “Go and make disciples...” (Matthew 28:18)
Process of discipleship that parallels the example of Jesus with the 12 disciples
Phase 1: “Call”
o Matthew 4:19 - “Come, follow me”
Phase 2: “Awareness”
o 1 Corinthians 3:1
o Hebrews 5:13
o Ephesians 4:4
o Matthew 21:16
How did Jesus disciple the 12 as they grew in awareness of God?
Phase 3: “Acceptance”
o 1 Corinthians 13:11
o Matthew 18:2
o Hebrews 12:7
o 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
How did Jesus disciple the 12 as they grew in acceptance of God and the identity of Christ?
Phase 4: “Independence”
How did Jesus prepare the 12 at this stage for the challenges ahead?
o 1 Corinthians 14:20
o Hebrews 5:11-14
Phase 5: “Reproduce”
Description of mature believer in John 13-17 o John 13:14-15
o John 13:34
o John 14:1
o John 14:15
o John 15:4
His commands to the disciples after the resurrection
o John 21:17
o Luke 24:48
o Matthew 28:18-20
Reflection:
o As you disciple others, how are you being discipled? How do you need to continue to grow in Christ?
o You are not alone in discipling others. Remember, “Surely I will be with you always.” (Matthew 28:20)
For further study of these stages of discipleship, see Real-life Discipleship: Building Churches that Make Disciples by Jim Putman
