HIGHLIGHT
John 1:42 (ESV): 42He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).
EXPLAIN
It is intriguing to consider Jesus’ tactics in gathering followers. First, Jesus went where the action was – where John the Baptist was ministering. There, he received a referral from the Baptist, whose calling was to proclaim Jesus, and he also was with people of a similar mindset and passion – the desire to see God’s kingdom be established.
When two of John’s disciples began following Jesus, he encouraged them by asking what they were seeking. Surely, Jesus recognized that they were following the Baptist because of their desire to meet him, the Messiah.
When Andrew brought Peter, Jesus immediately nicknamed him, “Like a rock”, keenly recognizing Peter’s character and aspirations. When Philip brought Nathaniel, Jesus did virtually the same, in essence calling him “Honest Abe”.
APPLY
As we seek to make disciples of Jesus who make disciples, do we imitate the methods of Jesus, as well as the message of Jesus?
Are we frequenting places where spiritually hungry people are? Have we earned a good name so that others will vouch for us and the message of good news we share? Do we seek to know those we are reaching for Christ personally? Do we give them reason to be intrigued and to feel heard and valued?
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, help me to learn better how to connect with people so that I might lead them to become your disciples, making more disciples.