Lessons

Characteristics of a Disciple

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How would you define the term disciple? Describe a time when you were a disciple or student of someone else.

Cultivate

Summary: Jesus commanded His followers to “make disciples of all nations.” It is therefore important for His followers to understand what it means to be a disciple, to evaluate their lives in light of this definition, and to commit themselves to living as disciples of Jesus.

Read Matthew 28:18-20 and ask the following questions:

1. What do you like about this passage?

2. What do you find uncomfortable or difficult to understand in this passage?

3. What appears to be the main idea emphasized in this passage? (Look for repeated words or ideas.)

Consider how the following passages increase our understanding of this topic:

Read Matthew 11:28-30.

  • How does Jesus describe the process of learning from him?
  • What do you find encouraging about this? What is difficult about it?

Read Luke 14:25-33.

  • What level of commitment does Jesus expect from his disciples?
  • How is this commitment both a one-time decision and a daily one?

Read John 15:4-5.

  • What does it mean for Jesus’ disciples to bear fruit?
  • How have you seen God bear fruit through you and through other believers?

4. What are the beliefs and values promoted in these passages?

5. What do they reveal about our human condition and God’s response?

6. How are these beliefs and values similar or different from those that have influenced you? (such as your family, culture, peers, church, etc.)

7. How might our faith increase and our lives change as we embrace what is true and important?

8. In light of what we’ve discussed, how can we pray for each other right now?

Care

Since we last met, what happened as a result of expressing Christ’s love to others?

How can you, or we, express Christ’s love to others this week?

Here are a few ideas:

  • Pray God would meet their deepest needs.
  • Help meet a felt need they have.
  • Encourage them with a text, note or verbally.
  • Give them a thoughtful gift or buy them coffee.
  • Invite them to do something fun or meaningful.
  • Listen to their story.
  • Explore their thoughts on the gospel.

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