Invest In Disciples Even When You See Little Return

Unlike the preacher in Ecclesiastes who spent his life investing in things, Jesus lived a very different existence. Instead of asserting his power over others, he came in the form of a servant. Rather than invest in buildings, Jesus invested in the lives of disciples. And this investment continues to impact the lives of people 2,000 years later.

Jesus cast his bread to twelve apprentices called his disciples. The word disciple is one that permeates the pages of scripture, leaving Dallas Willard to state, “The New Testament is a book about disciples, by disciples, and for disciples of Jesus Christ.”

In fact, the word disciple can be found 269 times in the New Testament, whereas the word Christian is found only three times. And it’s in some of the closing words of Jesus that he tells his followers in Matthew 28:19 to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” This was a challenge that held global implications.

This discipleship relationship Jesus had with his followers was not an equal dynamic. In fact, it was grossly lopsided.

For three years, Jesus walked and talked with this group of men, invested as much information and knowledge as they could handle, and showed them what it meant to live a life in union with God. And at the end of this time, they repaid this investment by forsaking Jesus in his darkest hour.

Invest in Many Ways

While Jesus focused much of his investment on his twelve primary disciples, the truth is Jesus had many disciples he nurtured at different levels. Luke 6:1 tells us before choosing the twelve apostles, Jesus was already out with his disciples. And then in verse 13, it says Jesus called together his disciples, and from them he chose twelve apostles.

Jesus established this teacher and apprentice relationship with his disciples in many ways. Sometimes he did this by taking them on a boat ride. Other times it was by going on a hike across the land. And some days it was while he was in the act of ministering to people.

He brought his disciples along while he cast out demons, healed the lame, and raised the dead. In addition to his select group of twelve apostles, Jesus chose seventy of his followers to go into neighboring towns and villages in his surrounding area. Jesus made certain to raise up a boatload of committed followers who would carry on his message after he was gone. His twelve disciples were at the forefront of this plan.

As Eugene Peterson pointed out to one US congregation, “Jesus invested 90 percent of his time with twelve Jewish men so that he could reach all Americans." In doing so, he set an example that his disciples would replicate in the years following his death.

The book of Acts is full of the stories of all that the disciples and followers of Jesus were able to do after he ascended into heaven. They put into action the very principles Jesus taught throughout his time on earth. Men like Peter would get up and speak boldly in the name of Jesus at Pentecost.

As a result, the early New Testament Church quickly grew in size and strength. This happened as the believers developed an army of those who would come behind them and build upon what one man had started. Jesus told them to represent him to all the nations of the earth, and that is what they did. 

What's In It For Me?

Up until this part of our series, there has been a clear “win-win” relational dynamic at work. Love God and you receive far more than you can give. Love family, and you’ll have a stronger home life. Close friendships? Yes, they can be hard, but they can help you get through some tough times.