2/3 :: teaching them...
read matthew 28:18-20
when Jesus says, “teach them to obey everything I have commanded you”, it is not an afterthought. we tend to put a lot of emphasis on the conversion element of the great commission, but the mentoring element is just as important. Jesus taught them through apprenticing, just like you would learn a skill or craft. most teachers teach like they were taught. so the disciples (once they understood what was going on) did just that. in many ways, what we see in the book of acts is the disciples carrying out the mentoring element of the great commission, teaching by combining instruction with experience. it has been compared to learning a foreign language by immersing yourself in a culture that speaks the language, as opposed to sitting in a classroom and using flashcards. the instructions alone are ok, but when you hear the beauty of that language and the nuances of those who truly have mastered it, your learning is enhanced exponentially. we need to have relationships where we are taught in this way. we need to be close enough relationally to see how to handle the rough spots in life… to see what our faith looks like when it is truly lived out… to see how scripture fits into everyday life.
† pray for God to send you someone to mentor in this way.
when Jesus says, “teach them to obey everything I have commanded you”, it is not an afterthought. we tend to put a lot of emphasis on the conversion element of the great commission, but the mentoring element is just as important. Jesus taught them through apprenticing, just like you would learn a skill or craft. most teachers teach like they were taught. so the disciples (once they understood what was going on) did just that. in many ways, what we see in the book of acts is the disciples carrying out the mentoring element of the great commission, teaching by combining instruction with experience. it has been compared to learning a foreign language by immersing yourself in a culture that speaks the language, as opposed to sitting in a classroom and using flashcards. the instructions alone are ok, but when you hear the beauty of that language and the nuances of those who truly have mastered it, your learning is enhanced exponentially. we need to have relationships where we are taught in this way. we need to be close enough relationally to see how to handle the rough spots in life… to see what our faith looks like when it is truly lived out… to see how scripture fits into everyday life.
† pray for God to send you someone to mentor in this way.
posted by the E's at
5.1.06
1 Comments:
Jesus, thank You for Your words of encouragment and love - "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Thank You for that truth, thank You for being in the center of this community, and for being in the center of the relationships You cause to form - they are from You and for You. Be glorified.
In Jesus' name, AMEN
By
ann, at 3.2.06
Post a Comment
<< Home