Discipleship 101: Following Jesus With FriendsSample

Outward Focus

Have you ever noticed how kids can see things adults miss? A table to an average adult may not look overwhelming, but when you crouch down or even take the position of a child, that same table may seem high, and the things on top are even unreachable. Sometimes a different position offers a different perspective.

Jesus knew His followers wouldn’t completely understand His purpose in washing their feet. He knew if they took the time to see life from someone else’s perspective, they would be more likely to treat them with love, compassion, patience, gentleness, and kindness.

As we think about inviting our friends to follow Jesus with us, there may be opportunities we easily miss if we’re not positioning ourselves for them. It’s natural for us to go through a day focused on what we need to accomplish or even meet our desires, but Jesus emphasized and modeled how true leadership is bending down to serve one another.

Here are some practical ideas for following Jesus with an outward focus on humility:

• Find a unique way to connect with your kids that opens the door for conversation about their world.

Depending on their age, create an environment where they are most comfortable and where you can serve them in a way they may not expect.

• Pray for an opportunity with the people you see each week.

Is there someone in your neighborhood or church community who is grieving? Maybe they lost a job, a spouse, a child, a friend, or an opportunity. Ask the Lord how you might bend down and serve them today. See how this small kindness offers a future opportunity for continuing the conversation about following Jesus.

• Share with someone what you’re learning about following Jesus.

Take the approach of being someone in the middle of this process rather than that you’ve already arrived. What happens as you share? Do they also reciprocate the sharing or ask more questions? Follow the Holy Spirit’s lead and see if this conversation leads to inviting a friend to follow Jesus with you.

What has this study been like for you? Would you consider completing the plan again and, this time, inviting a friend to join you?

If you’re looking for the confidence to help others grow in Christ with you, “Discipleship 101” can help you get started on your journey toward disciple-making.

The Navigators has created a step-by-step guide to help you grow in confidence as a disciple-maker through simple and practical next steps you can fit into your everyday life.

Download the complimentary “Discipleship 101” eBook and begin helping others grow in Christ today.