(CREDIT: airpix via flickr.com)

Becoming a disciple of Christ is more than just being a follower or imitator of Jesus.

As my Serve Team has been looking at the ‘Jesus Is’ studies, we saw in John chapter one the calling of two disciples, one of whom is Andrew. Andrew immediately follows Jesus (John 1:37).

But it is what happens next that has enlarged my picture of discipleship.

What is the first thing Andrew does after finding Jesus? We read from verse 41:

“He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus.” (John 1:41-42)

A disciple is someone who makes other disciples.

This of course is abundantly clear in the Great Commission at the end of Matthew, where the disciples are told to go and make other disciples (Matthew 28:18)

But sometimes we might think of that as a special case, a certain extra task for these first disciples. After all, the instruction even gets its own name – the Great Commission.

But the Bible passage in John is right at the very start of the Gospel. It’s before any special instruction was given, and we find the exact same principal at work.

The instinctive response of someone who has found Jesus, and has become a disciple, should be that they will immediately find someone else to share Jesus with.

This is because of who Jesus is, the Messiah, the Son of God!

The rest of the book goes on to show how great this Son is, whom God sent to us that through him the world may be saved.

Once you meet him, this desire to make other disciples should be who we are as his disciples too.

Are you ready to share who Jesus Is with your friends, family, and others in your world?

Simon Chaplin.

I was buzzing after Tuesday night’s combined prayer and training night for the ‘Jesus Is___’ campaign.

180 local Anglicans joined together to pray and sing, and to be pumped up and trained to talk about Jesus.

On the way home from the meeting, I stopped at the petrol station, and I realised I was still wearing my ‘Jesus Is___’ t-shirt.

Even though I’d been encouraging others to be courageous in speaking about Jesus, I suddenly felt a bit self-conscious.

Would the cashier ask me what the t-shirt meant? Or would the guy at the petrol pump pay me out?

And then I remembered what Sandy Grant taught us about the 12 words that help start the conversation:

“We’re interested in people’s opinions. (point at the logo). Jesus is… What goes in the blank?”

And then I relaxed, knowing that I was ready to have a chat with whoever I might encounter.

When it comes to March, I’m looking forward to regularly wearing the t-shirt, badge, or wristband, and using the coffee cup.

I’m expecting that it’s possible that I’ll have some awkward moments, but I’m also sure that I’ll have some terrific opportunities to chat with people about Jesus.

There’s no name that is more beautiful than the name of Jesus, and it will be an honour to wear his name, even if it sometimes gets a bit uncomfortable.

And we all need to remember that… “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. …praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter 4:14, 16b).

Will you join me in displaying Jesus’ name by purchasing some merchandise? Orders close this Sunday, so now’s your last chance to let us know what you need!

Jodie