Discipleship is a cornerstone of Jesus’ ministry, and understanding His approach provides invaluable insights into effective leadership and mentorship. Mark 3:16-19 introduces us to the twelve disciples Jesus chose, highlighting their unique roles in His mission. This blog explores why Jesus chose these twelve men and how He trained them to continue His work.
Why Did Jesus Choose 12 Disciples?
Jesus knew the harvest was too big for one person to gather alone. In Matthew 9:37-38 (ERV), Jesus tells His followers, “There is such a big harvest of people to bring in. But there are only a few workers to help harvest them. God owns the harvest. Ask him to send more workers to help gather his harvest.”
The task of spreading the Good News was immense, and Jesus needed dedicated individuals to help. He chose twelve disciples to multiply His efforts, ensuring that the message could reach more people. This principle is crucial today: we don’t have a shortage of people who need to be saved; we have a shortage of workers to disciple them.
How Did Jesus Recruit His Disciples?
Jesus recruited His disciples with a simple yet profound invitation: “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (Matthew 4:19 NLT). This promise to teach them to “fish for the souls of men” (Matthew 4:19 TLB) was an invitation to learn and grow under His guidance.
Jesus’ recruitment wasn’t about finding the most qualified or the most educated; it was about finding those willing to follow and learn. He chose ordinary men and transformed them into extraordinary leaders through His example and teaching.
Training Through Time Investment
Jesus trained His disciples by spending significant time with them. Mark 3:14 (WE) states, “He chose twelve disciples to stay with him.” This proximity allowed them to learn directly from His actions, teachings, and example. Training disciples requires a substantial time investment from both the mentor and the mentee. Just as Olympians dedicate countless hours to their training, effective discipleship demands time and commitment.
In today’s world, people often spend hours on social media—2.5 hours a day on average, with users in Brazil spending up to 3 hours and 49 minutes daily. This time could be redirected towards meaningful discipleship activities.
Training Through Shared Ministry
Jesus trained His disciples by doing ministry with them. They witnessed Him preach, heal the sick, cast out demons, and pray. Luke 8:1 (NLT) tells us, “Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him.”
By involving His disciples in His ministry, Jesus provided practical, hands-on experience. He didn’t just teach them theory; He demonstrated His teachings in action, allowing them to observe and learn directly from His example. This approach ensured that they were not only knowledgeable but also capable of continuing His work.
The Purpose of Training: Sending Out
Jesus didn’t train His disciples to keep them close; He trained them to send them out. Mark 3:14-15 (WE) explains, “He chose twelve disciples to stay with him. He wanted to send them out to other places to tell people God’s word. He gave them power to heal people and to drive bad spirits out of people.”
Jesus poured His life into His disciples, reproducing His leadership and mission in them. He empowered them to carry on His work, ensuring that the message of the Kingdom would continue to spread.
Conclusion
Jesus’ approach to making disciples was intentional and relational. He chose, recruited, and trained His disciples by spending time with them and involving them in His ministry. He equipped them not just to follow but to lead and teach others, ensuring the continuation of His mission.
As we seek to make disciples today, we can learn from Jesus’ example. We must invest time, share our lives and ministries, and empower others to go out and do the same. By following Jesus’ blueprint, we can effectively train and send out workers for the abundant harvest.
