M11_Task 1.5
The significance of Jesus' relationship with His disciples
The significance of Jesus' relationship with His disciples
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The significance of Jesus' relationship with His disciples in the Gospels The significance of Jesus' relationship with His disciples in the Gospels is profound and holds relevance for discipleship today. Here are some key aspects that highlight its importance:
Intimate Mentorship
Jesus developed a close and personal relationship with His disciples. He invested time in teaching, guiding, and mentoring them individually and as a group. This intimate mentorship created a strong foundation for their growth and development as followers of Jesus. John. 15:15 ¹⁵ Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Matthew 4:19 ¹⁹ And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Model of Servant Leadership
Jesus exemplified servant leadership by washing His disciples' feet, putting their needs before His own, and showing humility. His servant-hearted approach emphasized the importance of selflessness, compassion, and serving others in discipleship relationships. John 13:14-15 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Mark 10:45 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Teachings and Parables
Jesus used various teaching methods, such as parables, to convey profound spiritual truths to His disciples. His teachings fostered a deep understanding of God's Kingdom, values, and principles, guiding them in their journey of faith. Matthew 13:10-13 10 ¶ And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. Matthew 5-7: The Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus imparts teachings on various aspects of kingdom living to His disciples and the crowd.
Empowering and Equipping
Jesus empowered His disciples to carry out His mission by giving them authority, commissioning them to preach and heal, and imparting the Holy Spirit upon them. He provided them with practical experiences and opportunities to apply what they had learned. Matthew 10:1-8 1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. 5 ¶ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Luke 24:49 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Nurturing Community
Jesus fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among His disciples. He encouraged them to love one another, resolve conflicts, and support each other in their faith journey. This emphasis on community is vital for discipleship, as believers learn and grow together in a supportive environment. John 13:34-35: 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Acts 2:42-47: 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 ¶ And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Corrective Guidance and Grace
Jesus lovingly corrected His disciples' misunderstandings, doubts, and mistakes. He demonstrated patience, grace, and forgiveness, teaching them valuable lessons about perseverance, repentance, and the transformative power of His love. Matthew 16:21-23 21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Jn. 21:15-19 15 ¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
Commission for Disciple-making
Jesus entrusted His disciples with the mission to make disciples of all nations, continuing His work on earth. He called them to replicate the same kind of relationship they had with Him, passing on His teachings and nurturing new believers. Matthew 28:19-20: 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Mark 16:15-16 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. The significance of Jesus' relationship with His disciples lies in the transformative impact it had on their lives and the subsequent spread of the Gospel throughout the world. Today, we can draw from this model of discipleship by developing intimate mentorship, embracing servant leadership, teaching profound truths, empowering and equipping others, nurturing community, providing guidance with grace, and commissioning disciples to make disciples. By emulating Jesus' relationship with His disciples, we can effectively disciple others and further God's Kingdom on earth.
Knowledge Check — 12 Questions
Answer all 12 questions: a mix of true/false, multiple choice, and Scripture fill-in-the-blank.
Jesus chose disciples to be with Him and to be sent out to preach.
Jesus' relationship with His disciples was distant and impersonal.
Jesus modeled servant-leadership for His disciples.
The Great Commission was given only to Peter.
Jesus called His disciples to follow Him to become fishers of:
In John 15, Jesus calls His disciples His:
Mentoring others today should be marked by:
The Great Commission is recorded in:
Matt. 4:19 — "...Follow me, and I will make you fishers of ______."
John 15:15 — "...but I have called you ______..."
Matt. 28:19 — "Go ye therefore, and teach all ______..."
John 13:34 — "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye ______ one another..."
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M11_Task 1.5 Illustrate 3 profound meanings Jesus’ connection with His disciples and how it impacts the process of mentoring others today
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