Reach Many, Focus On A Few

Cru Weekly Ministry Tip, Spring 2012, #9

Mathew 4:18-22
18 Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
19 And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
21 Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them.
22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.

These verses describe the beginning of Jesus public ministry of preaching and discipleship. Jesus wanted His disciples to be with Him continually so He could train them to do the work He had started, after He was gone. For the next three years these disciples were with Jesus. They saw amazing miracles, life-changing teaching, and a model for ministry that has changed the world forever.

Even though the disciples were with Jesus, they still did not capture His fulfillment of messianic prophecy and the work He left behind for them to continue (Acts 1:8). It was not until He appeared to them after the resurrection and ascended into heaven, that they fully understood Jesus purpose on earth. But it took time. It was a personal one-on-one relationship, which included teaching, modeling life, ministry, and being the ultimate example of a Godly life.

Jesus pattern of discipleship is still our ultimate example today. On a regular basis, we need to plan for the entire ministry as we seek to reach our campus, neighborhood or city with the gospel message. But we also need to focus on just a few key disciples who will help you multiply the ministry. What kind of multiplying ministry did Jesus have? In the world today there are nearly 2 billion people who claim to be Christians according to Wikipedia. That is a major impact!

The Famous Last Words of Jesus Earthly Ministry

Consider Matthew 28:19-20 as the final commission and words of Jesus earthly ministry to his disciples to have a multiplying ministry,

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

What Jesus established through His disciples has spread throughout the centuries. Here is a short video clip on a modern day picture of multiplication through discipleship.
Begin to think about how to help your hand-picked disciples grow deep in their faith, so that they will walk with God for a lifetime, and stay connected to life-long ministry activities to change our world. Are you that person with a strong faith in God, knowing that you’re using your God given strengths and abilities?

Focus On A Few Good People

1. Who are the 2-3 people that you will focus on to help become deep followers of Christ? Here is a list of some great ideas and articles to consider.
2. Who are the present and/or future disciples that you can pour your life into by modeling ministry skills?
3. Who is building into your life and walking with you in life’s issues, questions, frustrations, and joys?

If you want to leave a strong legacy on your campus, leave your fingerprint behind by building more deeply into the lives of just a few choice people. Your work today can impact the world tomorrow.

Talk to you next week,

Ben Rivera/GodSquad and CruPressGreen Team