Embracing the Path of Discipleship: Know, Grow, Show and Go
Discipleship is a journey marked by learning, transformation, demonstration, and mission. To grasp its essence, we can anchor our understanding in four key stages: Know, Grow, Show, and Go. Let’s explore each stage through the teachings of Jesus in the book of Matthew, how He modeled these for His followers, and how His disciples continued these practices. We’ll also delve into the significance of each stage for making disciples in today’s church.
Know: Discovering the Truth (Matthew 5-7)
In Matthew 5-7, Jesus teaches His disciples through the Sermon on the Mount, revealing the heart of God’s law and challenging conventional understanding. He uses phrases like “You have heard that it was said… but I tell you…” (Matthew 5:21-22), inviting His followers to go beyond surface-level obedience to understand deeper spiritual truths.
For instance, when Jesus addresses the commandment against murder, He expands the meaning to include anger and contempt (Matthew 5:21-22). Similarly, He redefines adultery to encompass lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:27-28). Jesus’ teaching is relational and direct, engaging His disciples in deep, transformative conversations that reveal the true nature of God’s will.
Jesus not only taught these truths but also lived them out, modeling humility, compassion, and righteousness in His interactions. His life was a living example of His teachings, providing a tangible reference for His disciples to follow.
The apostles carried forward this emphasis on knowing the truth. Paul, for example, dedicated significant effort to teaching and instructing new believers, as seen in his epistles. His letters, such as Romans, are filled with deep theological insights that help early Christians understand the implications of the gospel. In Romans 12:1-2, Paul urges believers to renew their minds, highlighting the importance of knowing and internalizing God’s truth.
The importance of this stage in today’s church cannot be overstated. Knowing the truth of Jesus’ teachings is foundational for any disciple. Without a deep understanding of His message, believers cannot effectively live out or share their faith. In addition, knowing God’s Word is crucial for protecting us from false teachings and the deceit of the world, as it grounds us in truth and helps us discern what aligns with God’s will.. Churches today must prioritize biblical literacy and create environments where believers can engage deeply with Scripture, fostering a community of learners who are committed to knowing Jesus more intimately.
Reflection Questions:
How can I create opportunities to discuss and reflect on Scripture with others?
- How can I deepen my knowledge of Jesus and His teachings?
- What areas of my life need to align more closely with Jesus’ teachings?
- How can I create opportunities to discuss and reflect on Scripture with others?
Grow: Strenthening Faith (Matthew 8-9)
After establishing a foundation of knowledge, the next step in discipleship is growth. In Matthew 8-9, Jesus performs numerous miracles, demonstrating the power of God’s kingdom and deepening His disciples’ faith. These chapters recount instances where Jesus calms a storm, heals the sick, and casts out demons. Each miracle serves as a lesson, revealing Jesus’ authority and compassion, as well as opening the eyes of his followers to see that God’s kingdom was at hand.
When Jesus calms the storm (Matthew 8:23-27), He not only showcases His power over nature but also addresses the disciples’ fear and lack of faith. He rebukes the winds and waves and questions His disciples, saying, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Through these experiences, the disciples’ faith is stretched and strengthened.
Jesus grew His disciples’ faith through real-life experiences. He involved them in His ministry, allowing them to witness miracles firsthand and participate in the work of the kingdom. This relational mentoring and experiential learning demonstrated that faith is active and dynamic, growing through trust in God’s power.
The apostles continued this practice of fostering growth in faith. In Acts, we see Peter and John performing miracles and teaching boldly, strengthening the faith of new believers. For example, in Acts 3, Peter heals a lame beggar, which leads to a powerful testimony about Jesus and the strengthening of the faith community in Jerusalem, and the Church began to grow not only in faith, but also in number.
In today’s church, fostering growth in faith is crucial. Believers must encounter challenges and witness God’s power to develop a robust and mature faith. Churches should create opportunities for experiential learning and relational mentoring, helping believers to trust God more deeply and grow in their faith journey.
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways is God challenging me to grow in my faith right now?
- How can I create opportunities to witness God’s power in my life?
- Who can I mentor or be mentored by to strengthen my faith?
Show: Demonstrating the Kingdom (Matthew 10)
Once believers have grown in their faith, the next stage is to demonstrate what they have learned. In Matthew 10, Jesus sends out His disciples to show others the kingdom of God. He gives them authority to drive out impure spirits and heal every disease and sickness, instructing them to preach, “The kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 10:7).
This stage is about putting faith into action and demonstrating the reality of God’s kingdom. Jesus equips His disciples with both the message and the means to show others the way to God. He sends them out in pairs, ensuring they have support and accountability, and provides clear instructions on how to conduct their ministry.
Jesus’ approach combined teaching, modeling, and empowering, creating a holistic training environment. He not only taught the disciples about the kingdom but also demonstrated it through His actions and empowered them to do the same.
The early church continued this practice of demonstrating the kingdom. In Acts, we see the apostles performing miracles, preaching boldly, and living out the teachings of Jesus. For example, in Acts 9, Peter heals Aeneas and raises Tabitha from the dead, demonstrating the power of the kingdom and leading many to faith in Jesus.
In today’s church, showing the kingdom is essential. Churches should equip and empower believers to live out and demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. Many people may “hear” the gospel, but when they “see” it being displayed through everyday, ordinary believers, the reality of God’s kingdom invites them to experience it.
Reflection Questions:
- How can I show the power of God’s kingdom in my daily life?
- God’s mighty hand is still at work today
- Who can I partner with in ministry to have a greater impact?
Go: Fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
The final step in the journey of discipleship is to go and make disciples of all nations. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gives the Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This command encapsulates the mission of every disciple. It is a call to extend the reach of God’s kingdom globally, sharing the good news and inviting others to embark on the same transformative journey. Jesus entrusted His disciples with this mission, promising His presence and power.
Jesus’ relational approach ensured that His disciples were prepared to carry forward His work. They had spent years learning from Him, growing in their faith, and demonstrating the kingdom. Now, they were equipped to go and make disciples themselves.
The early church exemplified this stage of discipleship. In Acts, we see the apostles traveling, preaching, and establishing churches. Paul’s missionary journeys, documented in Acts, illustrate the spread of the gospel to various regions, fulfilling the Great Commission.
In today’s church, the call to go and make disciples remains vital. Believers must embrace a missional mindset, seeing every aspect of their life as an opportunity for mission. Churches should cultivate this mindset and support local and global mission initiatives, developing leaders who can continue the cycle of discipleship and expand the mission.
Reflection Questions:
- Where is God calling me to go and make disciples?
- How can I develop a missional mindset in my daily life?
- What steps can I take to support and engage in mission efforts?
Conclusion
Discipleship is a lifelong adventure of following Jesus, being transformed by His truth, and sharing His love with the world. Embracing the stages of know, grow, show, and go, we can fully participate in this journey and help others do the same. As we reflect on these stages, let’s commit to deepening our knowledge of Jesus, growing in our faith, demonstrating the kingdom, and fulfilling the Great Commission. In doing so, we contribute to a vibrant, transformative church that extends the reach of God’s kingdom globally.
