So much of what Jesus did was along the way. It was on his way to one place or coming from another place. His meeting with people, explaining parables, and acts of compassion often took place along the way.
What we do along the way often indicates the centrality of God’s mission in our lives. Being centered in the mission of God, Jesus captured every moment for the work of making disciples. Here is a small excerpt from my book Leading From the Middle, How the Leadership of Jesus Launched a Movement.
Along the way, Jesus pointed at the golden grapevines on the temple and began to talk to His friends.
John 15:1-4 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.”
Along the way, Jesus explained greatness to His friends. Mark 10:43-45 “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Along the way, Jesus explained parables to His friends. Matthew 13:36 Then He left the crowd and went into the house.
His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”
Along the way, Jesus explained to His friends that Lazarus was dead, and He was going to do something about it. John 11:11-15 After He had said this, He went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up.”
12 His disciples replied, “Lord if he sleeps, he will get better.”
13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but His disciples thought He meant natural sleep. 14 So then He told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake, I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
What will you do along the way?