Be With People
On Sunday, Pastor Jake continued in our series, “A New Way of Living,” as we dissected what it means to ‘be with people.’ A running encounter became the central image: a tired runner met a young girl who matched his pace, then sped ahead—prompting a word that the spiritual life was not meant to be run alone. From that picture the teaching unfolded around Matthew 28:18-20’s commission to “make disciples.” Rather than a Western model of classroom-only instruction, the message reclaimed the first-century Jewish pattern: apprentices moving from the house of the book into the rabbi’s dust, learning by watching, living, and imitating the master. Jesus’ call to “follow me” functions as an invitation into rhythm, relationship, and daily imitation, not merely information transfer. Discipleship is framed as upstream-downstream relationships: everyone needs someone a step ahead and someone a step behind.
Key Takeaways
– You weren’t made to run alone
Life in Christ is inherently communal; spiritual progress often comes when someone intentionally runs alongside, not merely ahead or behind. The metaphor of running with another reframes discipleship as shared motion—encouragement that activates, models that challenge, and companionship that sustains through weariness. Practically, this means looking for rhythms and relationships that re-ignite spiritual momentum rather than treating the Christian life as a solo discipline.
– Make disciples by walking together
Jesus’ command to “make disciples” is best understood as inviting others into the texture of daily living, not merely enrolling them in classes. Authentic formation happens when a learner watches decisions, prayers, conflicts, and mercy modeled in ordinary contexts and then tries those practices themselves. The goal is apprenticeship: reproducible ways of following Jesus transmitted through proximity and example.
– Imitation, not merely instruction
First-century rabbinic formation required living in the rabbi’s presence until habits and speech became internalized. Observing how a mature follower prays, repents, and loves offers a template the head cannot supply alone. True spiritual apprenticeship trains desires and reflexes through modeled life, not only classroom knowledge.
– Everyone can be a disciple-maker
Discipling is not reserved for clergy or experts; it’s an apprenticeship pattern available to anyone a step or two ahead in their walk with Christ. Small, consistent bands that practice Scripture memory, spiritual disciplines, and honest accountability form fertile soil for multiplication. The invitation is practical: be available, be teachable, and take one person with you upstream or downstream.
Reflection Questions
- Jesus uses the phrase “follow me” when calling the first disciples. How does this invitation to be an apprentice differ from a modern classroom setting where a student simply learns information from a teacher?
- Paul tells the Philippians to practice what they have “seen in me.” Why is a “flesh and blood example” of the Christian life necessary for spiritual growth, rather than just reading the Bible or listening to lectures in isolation?
- The spiritual life is not meant to be run alone. Who are the people currently running alongside you in your faith, and how does their presence change the way you handle the “slog” of difficult seasons?
- Discipleship is the central purpose of a Christian life. How can you adjust your current schedule or priorities to make room for “upstream” or “downstream” relationships this month?
- It is possible to know the “spiritual notes” of the Christian life—like knowing we should be patient—without knowing how to “play them” in our actual lives. In what specific area of your life do you feel like you have the head knowledge but struggle with the actual practice?
- Discipleship groups are described as small bands of people meeting for a year for accountability, scripture memory, and spiritual disciplines. What is your biggest hesitation or fear when it comes to being that vulnerable and consistent with a small group of people?
- Paul invites others to “be imitators of me as I am of Christ.” If a newer believer were to mimic your prayer life, your hospitality, or the way you handle frustration this week, what would they learn about the character of Jesus?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from Jan 18
- “So Will I”
- “Son Of Suffering”
- “What A God”
Listen to the songs we play on Sundays by clicking the image below to access our Spotify playlist!
