One of the simplest and most practical ways to live a life of discipleship is to demonstrate Christ to others. You can be a tangible expression of God by exemplifying His character and message of the gospel. Second Corinthians 5:18–20 says, “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
God has given us the ministry of reconciliation. We are to be His ambassadors. To bring others into the presence of Christ by demonstrating Christ’s love for them. And when we demonstrate His love for others, He makes His appeal through us.
Colossians 1:15 says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” Jesus is the tangible, physical expression of God. And when we are in a discipleship relationship, we get to be tangible representatives of God. Today we will discuss how Jesus expressed and demonstrated God’s love to the disciples.
Prayer. Jesus showed His disciples how to pray. The Bible says He often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16). Jesus showed His disciples the importance of prayer.
Not only did Jesus let His disciples see Him pray, but He also taught them how to pray by giving them the Lord’s prayer (Luke 11:1–4). In John 17, Jesus prayed for His disciples. In your discipleship relationships, pray with each other and pray for each another. Share about the things you are praying for and ask others if you can pray for their needs.
Scripture. Jesus used the Scriptures to teach His disciples. He helped them to observe, understand, and apply the Scriptures. In His conversations with the disciples, Jesus referred to the Old Testament at least sixty-six times. Through His use of the Scriptures, Jesus taught His disciples about the vital role Scripture plays in our lives. In John 15:7, Jesus said that we are to abide in Him, and that His words are to abide in us.
In your discipleship relationships, read God’s Word together. Discuss it, memorize it, apply it. Learn the key doctrines of the Christian faith. Prioritize the reading of the Scriptures as Jesus did. In your non-discipleship relationships, speak truth into conversations by focusing on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and excellent (Philippians 4:8). This is a simple way to demonstrate God’s character to those in your life.
Value. Jesus valued all types of people. He viewed all as having worth because we are all image bearers of God (Genesis 1:26). Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors (Matthew 9:10–13). He did not condemn the adulterous woman (John 8:1–11). He touched a man no one would touch and healed him of his leprosy (Matthew 8:3). He instructed us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Jesus even saved the criminal who hung on a cross next to Him (Luke 23:39–43). No one is outside the reach of God’s grace and love. May we model Jesus’ way and value all people.
Jesus’ life was so compelling because He lived out His teachings. Let us live out our faith in the same way.