Our Discipleship Journey: Part 1Sample

Finding People of Peace

One of the privileges we have as Jesus’ followers is partnering with the Holy Spirit to bring God’s Kingdom as we go about our daily lives. Jesus was anointed and appointed by the Holy Spirit to bring the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven, and the same is true of us: the Holy Spirit commissions and guides us as we make disciples.

Just like us, Jesus had to make choices about who He spent time with. In the accounts of His life, we see Him pouring into relationships where He was welcomed and wanted. Jesus went after people of peace: those who liked Him, listened to Him, and even wanted to serve Him. These people were ripe for the Kingdom – openhearted and increasingly tender towards the work of the Holy Spirit.

Moments after reading a scripture from Isaiah to His own people in His hometown, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you…no prophet is accepted in his hometown.’ He knew the people weren’t thrilled with what He had to say and didn’t want Him around, but their antagonism didn’t seem to faze Jesus, and He simply slipped away from the crowd. He didn’t waste energy, time, or even worry trying to convince people they were wrong. They weren’t people of peace, so He moved on. Jesus didn’t get caught up with the naysayers and miss out on those ready to receive the good news. He loved people equally but invested in people differently.

Identifying people of peace in your life starts with a genuine, mutual relationship. Two-way openness is essential for effective discipleship, so look for those who like you and listen to you, and those you like and listen to, too! Jesus actively sought out the presence of people who didn’t yet know the good news of God’s Kingdom. He wasn’t concerned about being in the company of people who made choices that didn’t honour God. When Jesus was with these people, He didn’t adapt to their ways. Rather, He influenced them for good. We need to resist the urge to isolate ourselves, hiding the light of Christ from those who desperately need it.

Ask yourself: Who are the people in my life who ‘lean in’? Who is interested in me? Who offers to serve me in some way? Who is willing to listen to what I have to say? How can I be more intentional about bringing Jesus into my conversations with these people? As you pursue these relationships, may God grant you grace, wisdom, discernment, and patience (because it may take years for people to open their hearts to God’s truth). Keep praying. Stay curious. Love and listen with genuine care and interest as the Holy Spirit directs you. And don’t forget that God is always at work, and always inviting us to partner with Him as He brings His Kingdom on Earth as it is in heaven.