Why did Jesus say “No”? It seemed a reasonable request, and if it was up to me, I would have said, “Yes!” After crossing the Sea of Galilee Jesus arrived in the region of the Gerasenes. He was met by a man who was out of control, afflicted by evil, an extreme case of demon-possession. He spent his nights and days among the tombs and hills and would cry out and cut himself. No-one had been able to help him, until he met Jesus. After a few words from Jesus, the man was delivered, free and ‘in his right mind’ (Mark 5:15). What an incredible moment when good conquers evil. But the story doesn’t end there, and Jesus is about to say “no”, when I might have said “yes”. The man begged to go with Jesus asking if he could be his disciple. He must have had so many questions. He would need time to process. He had so much to learn. Surely, going with the teacher was the best option, but Jesus said, “No!”
I listened to a podcast the other day discussing how long it should take for a disciple to become a disciple maker. Their answer took me by surprise, “about a day”! WHAT!? You mean a one-day old follower of Jesus could go and make disciples? If the man Jesus had set free had joined a church I was leading, I would have been expected to keep an eye on him. He would be expected to attend services, complete courses, receive more prayer before he could even join the welcome team. Yet, Jesus said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19). Jesus sent the man out to simply tell his story. Not to attend meetings or complete courses but go, because as you go, you grow. Discipleship is not a classroom activity; it is a daily walk with Jesus.
Noah at 7 months is our youngest community choir member! His parents have been members since we started and now they have a baby, he comes too. He is so cute, in fact too cute! Once Noah gives one of his big smiles, all eyes are on Noah and any hope of a productive rehearsal is out the window! This week, we were in for a special treat. Much to the delight of doting choir members, Noah was learning to walk. His Dad, walking backwards holding Noah’s hands, was leading him around the room. His eyes fixed on his dad, Noah was smiling from ear to ear as he took each step, spurred on by all the encouraging words his dad was giving. It was a wonderful sight and then it struck me. Noah has never taken a course on how to walk. Noah was learning on the go, simply following his dad around the room.
When Jesus said, “No”, I wonder if He was teaching the man you don’t need to learn the theory of disciple making, you go and then you grow! Jesus wasn’t being unkind or suggesting the man didn’t need to continue to grow in his understanding and relationship with Jesus. Perhaps Jesus wants to teach us, it takes “about a day” for a disciple to become a disciple maker? When Jesus gave the command to all His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations”, He also made a promise, “and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). As we go, Jesus is with us, leading and encouraging us to take another step.
One of the biggest barriers potential disciple makers must overcome is the belief that they aren’t ready. That voice that shouts, “you’re not good enough and don’t know enough”. So, we attend another course, read another book and pray some more but still don’t go. The truth is we aren’t ready, and we never will be. But, when Jesus invites us to take His hands and join Him on mission, we have everything we need. As I reflect on why Jesus said “no”, I realise the man didn’t need to go with Jesus, because Jesus had promised to go with the man. Disciples grow as they go and make disciples with Jesus. Disciple making isn’t a course we must attend or an exam we must pass. Disciple makers hear, obey and follow Jesus. And as we go, just like Noah, we can experience the joy of being led by our heavenly dad as we learn to be disciple makers with Him.
Featured photo by Peter Dlhy on Unsplash
