Jesus and the Disciples

Be Fruitful and Multiply Series

Introduction: Jesus initiated discipleship intentionally, calling each of His followers to leave behind their old lives and enter a life-changing relationship with Him. This foundational stage of discipleship required deep commitment, consistent teaching, and intentional growth. While much of our discipleship is organic, happening naturally as relationships form and we bear fruit by abiding in Christ, there are also those God places in our lives for a more deliberate approach. For some, this involves regular mentoring sessions; for others, it’s a matter of walking alongside them daily. In both types of relationships, discipleship takes root and grows as we live out the call to invest in others and multiply our faith.

Part 1: Calling and Formation

1. The Call to Follow

* Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22: The First Disciples 18 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him. 21 A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. 22 They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.

* As disciples of Christ, we are fishermen; we are not though called to catch fish and throw them back; we are responsible for teaching the fish we catch to follow us as we follow Jesus. Jesus’ call was personal and radical, requiring an immediate response to leave their nets (their former lives) and follow Him. We are to make it clear what being a disciple requires. Jesus cannot be received as Savior unless He is made Lord. We are leading people into repentance, a turning away from the world, and to turn towards the Lord. For this to transpire, we must get close enough to those we disciple that we know what areas need to be transformed.

2. Learning by Example

* Scripture: John 13:12-17 (Jesus washing the disciples' feet) - 12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.

* Jesus taught servanthood by example, demonstrating that authentic leadership in His kingdom is marked by humility, sacrifice, and selflessness. In washing His disciples' feet, He showed that greatness is found not in status but in a willingness to serve others, even in the most humble ways. True discipleship requires us to model this Christlike character, inviting others to follow not only our words but our actions as well. As followers of Jesus, our service knows no bounds; we must be willing to do whatever it takes to support those we disciple. No task is too menial, no effort too small. Whether offering a listening ear, meeting a practical need, or providing encouragement, we are called to pour ourselves out for others, reflecting the love and servanthood that Jesus showed. This sacrificial service challenges us to love others deeply and to serve with a genuine heart, embodying the same relentless compassion that Jesus has for us.

3. Teaching Through Parables

* Scripture: Matthew 13:10-17 (Purpose of parables) - 10 His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?”m11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets[a] of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. 12 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even their little understanding will be taken away from them. 13 That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. 14 This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’[b]16 “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17 I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.

* Jesus used parables to reveal profound spiritual truths to His disciples, cultivating insight and discernment as they engaged with each story. These parables transformed everyday experiences into windows to deeper truths, helping His followers grasp the kingdom's realities in ways they could understand and apply. In discipleship, we, too, are called to seek wisdom and understanding from Christ, allowing our own perspectives to be transformed to offer guidance that reshapes the worldview of those we disciple.

* As we invest in authentic relationships, the Holy Spirit grants us discernment to recognize each person’s unique needs and heart. By listening to God’s guidance in prayer, we can receive inspiration on what to share, including stories, analogies, or personal experiences that will resonate deeply. Just as Jesus’ parables met people where they were, the Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom to communicate effectively, bridging the gap between spiritual truth and personal experience. Through this Spirit-led approach, we become conduits of grace, sharing stories that touch hearts, open minds, and inspire growth in faith.

CLOSING:

In calling the disciples, Jesus exemplified the essence of relational discipleship: inviting others to journey with Him in words and life-shaping actions. Each moment He spent with them—whether teaching, serving, or praying—was a step in multiplying His mission. As His followers today, we are entrusted with that same mission to make disciples, not as a program but as a way of life. This requires authenticity, a servant’s heart, and a willingness to sacrifice for others’ growth.

Jesus’ approach shows us that discipleship is about presence—being fully present with those we lead, recognizing that every interaction can plant seeds of faith, hope, and transformation. The call to "be fruitful and multiply" is to invest ourselves in others, sharing our lives and faith in ways that nurture, inspire, and equip others to grow into their God-given potential.

Let us go forth, then, with the courage and commitment of the first disciples, embracing our role as fishers of people, servant leaders, and storytellers of God’s grace. As we follow Jesus' model, may we bear fruit that will last, filling the world with new disciples who walk with Him and carry forward His mission for generations to come?

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Praise Tabernacle

Dr. Joshua Kennedy, Pastor

2235 Ocean Heights

Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

pastorjosh@praisetabernacle.com

praisetabernacle.church

(609) 927-4560(w), (609) 402-8869(c)