Fame came quickly in a nation of oppressed people, especially since they were looking for a rescuer. For the young carpenter, the bold announcement from John the Baptist - “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,” jumpstarted his fame. This fame grew larger and larger as he went from town to town.
People would say:
“It is him!”
“I heard he raises the dead.”
“I heard voices from heaven talk to him.”
“I heard angels minister to him.”
“I heard he heals the sick.”
“I heard the religious elite were offended by him.”
This fame brought a following, and soon, each place he went, a crowd followed. Everywhere this young carpenter and his entourage went, they met another crowd that gathered to see a miracle, be healed themselves, and satisfy their curious question - “Is he the one?”
The evening had just finished, and Jesus snuck out the back door and headed for the hills. Finding a smooth rock, a small grove of trees under moonlit night, the carpenter began to pray.
“Father, I know you have sent me, and tomorrow, I will be choosing the men who will take the mission from me once THE PAYMENT has been made. I am asking you to bring them to me.” This prayer was spoken in various forms throughout the night as Jesus, and His Father conversed. As He prayed, the faces of certain men were more frequently crossing his mind, and his prayers narrowed to some specific names.
Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon (who was called the Zealot), Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot. He paused at the last one, groaning in his spirit, his teary eyes lifted to His Father.
When he returned, he met the crowds, larger than the day before, each one waiting for him to speak, heal or do a miracle. As Jesus opened his mouth, the crowd was surprised. As he called out from prayerful memory, Simon, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, the other James, Matthew (At this name the crowd groaned) Thomas, The Zealot Simon, Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot.
When he finished saying these names, he called them forward and walked up a hill, sat down, and began to teach them.
We know Jesus wants us to make disciples who also make disciples. We know this disciple-making commission was his final instruction to the 12 and for the church. We know that he made disciples so amazingly well, and we know all of their names. So here is the question - Have you ever spent a night in prayer asking God, “Who do you want me to disciple? Will you bring them to me? Will you show them to me?”
It seemed to work pretty well for Jesus, so give it a try.
Take a few minutes and assemble a list of people’s names. Some you know well, some are outside of faith circles, some possibly have not yet met Jesus. Some are young and friends with your kids. Some might just cut your hair, serve you coffee or live next door. Some might be a classmate. Some might be a co-worker. Some might be a cousin. Just write the names. Leave space on this list for someone you do not know yet. Awesome, got your list?
Next, commit yourself to discipling someone. This commitment might mean you learn how, might mean you get some help (HINT: If you are reading this, you have a partner in this commitment). Make the commitment to God and share it with someone who will pray for you.
Next, find a quiet place where you and the Father can connect. Read the list of names, asking the Father to reveal who you are to disciple. Pray over each name, see their face, retrieve their story from your memories, and keep praying. Then listen. Say nothing and just listen. When God gives you the name or names, invite them.
Invitations I have used:
I invite them to an event, a trip, or an activity where we can sit side by side and face to face. I then share that I am learning much about the life of Jesus and have found it to be amazing and interesting. Then I say, would you consider joining me in learning more about the life of Jesus?
The Bold Approach:
You seem to be searching and on the edge of making some huge mistakes. Would you consider meeting with me regularly to see if I can encourage or even mentor you?
The Announcement Approach:
I am starting a small study to investigate how Jesus made such a huge difference in people’s lives. I think we all want to make a difference. Would you join me?
Listen to God the Holy Spirit and choose.
Final thought: Be pleasantly surprised when God gives you the opportunity to tell someone about Jesus.