Our Discipleship Journey: Part 1Sample

Relational Pathways

In Jesus’ parable of the sower, He talks about the state of the heart of different people who hear the gospel and how they respond to it. Jesus explains that some people’s hearts are like the path where the seeds the farmer scatters are stolen by birds. Some are more like rocky places, where the seeds spring up quickly but with no deep roots, so when life gets wild, the plants wither. Other seeds fall among thorns where the worries, pleasures, and distractions of life choke them out. Finally, some seeds fall on good soil and produce a bumper crop. Think about the ‘rock hard, thorny’ people in your life and what it would look like to love them well this week. Also, think about the ‘good soil’ people in your life. What’s your next step as you consider scattering the seed of God’s Word?

Jesus didn’t find people of peace randomly, without strategy and intention. He found them along relational pathways. He had mutual connections with His first disciples, who had connections with others, and so their friendships were formed. Jesus found good soil in His twelve close friends. He invited them to learn from Him and, in turn, make disciples of others – and indeed all nations. This discipleship model prevents us from stagnating in holy huddles. It’s likely you can look back and trace the ways God went ahead of you and prepared ‘good soil’ relationships – connections that have blessed you and others.

Wherever God is at work, we can partner with Him. We love and serve everyone generously and without reservation, but we lean into relationships where we see the life of God taking root. Perhaps your next step is to ask God to show you where He is busy preparing the soil of someone’s heart and then start praying for that person. Sit up and notice the people around you – family members, colleagues, neighbours, and others – and be brave enough to be honest with them about your faith and interested in where and how God might be drawing them to Himself. Nothing is stopping us from inviting people into our spiritual journeys, challenging and comforting those God leads us to love. You may be surprised by how desperate people are for what Jesus has to offer. Be encouraged to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you scatter the seed of God’s Word on the good soil He has provided along your relational pathways. May you be discerning, authentically curious, and conspicuously spiritual right where you find yourself – amongst the people God has already placed in your world.