Jesus’ relationship with his disciples helps us to understand what Jesus means in the Great Commission when he calls the church to make disciples. Jesus nurtures his disciples in the context of a relationship, through teaching and by providing an example of how they were to live. Jesus example is a model for elders in their discipleship of those under their care as well as all Christians who are called to disciple others.
Read Matthew 4:18-22
These three verses teach us how to grow in obedience. The life of obedience is defined by the Word of God. Two practical means of growing in obedience are through seeking God with all our hearts and hiding God’s Word in our hearts. The biblical context requires that we understand that this growth can only happen in those who have been saved by God’s grace.
Read Psalm 119:9-11
This passage deals with issues of life and death. In a world in which death is the great enemy which mankind has never been able to overcome, Jesus reveals himself has the one who has overcome death. We may participate in the eternal life that Jesus gives through believing on him.
Read John 11:17-44
In this passage Jesus teaches us that the kingdom of God must be received like a little child. That implies that we are not automatically in the kingdom. It also means that the kingdom of God is a gift. It is received, not earned. In saying that it must be received like a little child, Jesus is teaching the necessity of receiving the kingdom with a sense of dependence and a simple trust.
Read Mark 10:13-16
This passage is a prophetic description of the new creation in terms of an ideal earthly Israelite kingdom. From it we learn that the new heavens and new earth will be a place of joy, security, harmony and fulfillment all rooted in a loving relationship with God.
Read Isaiah 65:17-25
This is the first part of the story of the raising of Lazarus by Jesus. It is remarkable that the text teaches that Jesus waited two days before beginning to travel to Bethany because he loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus. This passage gives us insight into why God allows his children to suffer.
Read John 11:1-16
Scripture teaches that the primary responsibility for the discipling of the children of believers rests on their parents. It also teaches that the church has a responsibility as well. This sermon considers various ways that that responsibility is to be fulfilled.
Read Ephesians 4:1-16
In this passage Paul is dealing with false teachers who were forbidding people to marry and commanding them to abstain from certain foods. Over against that effort he insists that God’s gifts are to be received with thanksgiving.
Read 1 Timothy 4:1-5
Since the central command of the Great Commission is to make disciples, an important part of implementing it is the discipling of children. The primary responsibility for the discipling of children rests with the parents, but the church is also called to be involved. This sermon looks at the call to parents to nurture their children in the gospel. The next will consider the role of the church.
This passage is the conclusion of this great chapter about Jesus as the good Shepherd. It describes the response of unbelief on the part of the Jewish leaders and the response of faith on the part of many of the people across the Jordon where Jesus visited after leaving Jerusalem.
Read John 10:31-42
