Discipleship 101: Following Jesus With FriendsSample

Be Intentional with Interruptions

Moving past a stranger trying to get our attention is common. It’s easy to assume we don’t have what they need or are skeptical of their request. Yet, these days we quickly pass by more than strangers. We may miss opportunities to invite someone to follow Jesus with us because we don’t see the value in interruptions.

As Jesus passed the blind beggar and heard him crying out for mercy, He stopped. Then Jesus asked an important question, “What do you want me to do for you?” Instead of assuming what this person wanted, Jesus posed a question to the blind beggar. Jesus shifted an interruption into an intentional moment. A moment where He could communicate to the blind beggar that he was seen and known.

Here are some ideas for creating intentional moments from those daily interruptions that may lead you and your friends to follow Jesus in this way:

• Say hello.

When you’re in the grocery store and see someone you know, stop to say hello and even their name before rushing to get your items.

• Start a conversation.

Before closing the door or even the garage door behind you, spend a few moments outside your house or apartment to see if there may be an opportunity to start a conversation with a neighbor.

• Look around.

In those waiting moments, take time to look around you rather than immediately pulling out your phone and even putting earbuds in. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to anyone He may want you to take note of.

Consider how you may follow Jesus this way and invite others to follow Jesus with you.

Pray for how God may want to use interruptions in your day and for you to recognize those moments as they come.

Keep Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you? in mind as your life intersects with others.