Above the dry-erase board in Ms. Buntin’s eighth-grade classroom in Taft Middle School are posted four statements:
- I didn’t get it.
- I need more practice.
- I can do it.
- I can teach it.
Obviously, these are displayed to give students who struggle with learning a pathway to tackle their math assignments. I like these. We see something similar in our progression with Jesus as disciples.
Statement Number One: I didn’t get it.
This is where we all begin. We begin on the outside looking in when it comes to our faith in Jesus. Whether it’s not understanding most of the bible you read or struggling to love your neighbor or giving up that sin habit or your inability to ever get some practice of prayer going in your life, every disciple has started here. But the good news is this is exactly the right place to begin. We recognize right off the bat the important truth that being a disciple is profoundly dependent on God helping us out. Jesus said that “the poor in spirit” become a part of what God is doing in the world (Matthew 5:3) – the dependent not the independent, the needy not those who have it all together. Following Jesus is a partnership with Jesus. Don’t try to follow Him without asking for His help. If you find yourself here with Jesus, let Him know you don’t get it. Admit it to a fellow disciple, and watch God’s grace take it from there.
Statement Number Two: I need more practice.
At some point, however, God will invite you to take a step. You’ve probably heard something like this before: significant things take practice, mess-ups, and do-overs. This applies to our relationship with Jesus Christ as well. Like all good things worth doing, following Jesus will take some work (2 Corinthians 6:4-10), but it is the most rewarding work you will ever do (Mark 10:29-30). In faith we take a step to come closer to Jesus, whether it is carving out five minutes a day to read your bible, designating a time in the morning to pray, or serving someone intentionally once a week. Lately, Jesus has been leading me to embrace the practice of evangelism in my life. This is challenging for me for a few reasons, but I have taken the step of talking with someone outside of our church about Jesus at least once a month. Your step will most likely be different but take the step.
Statement Number Three: I can do it.
Then one day you find yourself following Jesus. The truth is you’re already being a disciple when you admit your need for God’s help (statement one) and when you take that first step (statement two). But sure enough, God will give you what you need to sustain disciple practices in your life, along with your own willingness. More importantly, your passion for following Jesus will grow. You will not only find yourself with the ability to do it, but you will desire to do it. Jesus has that effect on people who come closer to Him (Philippians 3:7-8).
Statement Number Four: I can teach others.
Here’s the sweet-spot. This is the great goal of following Jesus: to help others follow Jesus. Everything Jesus did with His disciples was designed to equip them to make and train disciples themselves with the help of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:15-17). How wonderful is it that we can help others come closer to Jesus, and that we’re called to do it! At this point, you pick a few people, or even one person, to take under your wing and teach them about how you pray, tips on reading your bible, or helping others share their faith. This is called “multiplication”: disciples multiplying themselves. This is Jesus’ method of changing lives and changing the world.
Where are you in this? Is faith in Jesus like a Ugaritic textbook or something? Are you taking those first few wobbly steps in a disciple practice? Are you coming into a nice stride, perhaps having a consistent time with God every day or walking confidently in obedience? Are you thinking about who you might help to be a disciple? Go make Ms. Buntin proud.
Pastor Chris Symes