Whether you're in the marketplace or in missions, whether you work in an NGO or pastor a church, you have people around you that need discipling. The model that Jesus showed us was that He intentionally picked people and asked them to follow Him. You should do the same.

As Jesus' disciples today, we are called to model our lives after Jesus' original disciples, who, after becoming disciples themselves, began to invest in others. The next portion of our devotional will explore the “20 Practices of Disciplemakers.”

We can all be disciples because we can all discover friendship with God. The main thing that will strengthen your friendship with God in your life is hearing God’s voice. There is nothing like experiencing the reality that God wants to encourage, speak to, and direct you personally. Jesus emphasizes this simple truth in John 10, extending the metaphor of Psalm 23. We are sheep, and He is our Shepherd.

How can we be disciples during suffering today? Many of us will go through a healing journey, as we read in John 9. God still heals, restores, and rescues us supernaturally today. However, we also experience trouble and heartbreak in this world. What about then?

In the story of the boy’s lunch, we see that God intends to multiply and expand His Kingdom through young people. We see this in the Bible and the many movements of God throughout the expansive history of the church. 

God intends not to just rescue us from sin, but to give us significance in His Kingdom. "He has saved us and called us to live a holy life" (1 Timothy 1:9). While we will all need to meet Jesus profoundly for our restoration and recovery, Jesus desires to deploy every last person who follows Him in the journey of discipleship and discipling others.

When you are seeking, Jesus has clarity for your question. He will not leave you out there wondering.

What can moms today learn from Mary who also want to continue their own journeys of discipleship?

If you've ever felt like "too new" to be a disciple, look at Nathanael's life. Jesus invites him on the journey of discipleship and immediately begins taking him deeper, creating connection, friendship, and spiritual awakening. Jesus' modeling of Nathanael is how Jesus treats us as new disciples.

Today's devotional is an invitation to the radical. Perhaps you have always wanted to live for a cause greater than yourself. Maybe you have felt like you are "too much," or it's been hard to direct and channel your passion. Maybe the church's complacency and modern society's injustice eats you up inside. Jesus invites you to be a disciple.

What does the word “disciple” evoke in you?