The Marine Corps recruiter, realizing that his 15-minute speech had been cut to two minutes, walked up to the podium. He spent the first 60 seconds in silence, gazing over the group of high school seniors. After what seemed to be an eternity, he said, "I doubt there are two or three of you here who could make it as marines. I want to see those three men as soon as we're dismissed." He then turned and sat down. Predictably, he was mobbed by a mob of young men when he arrived in the cafeteria. The Marines motto was "We are looking for a few good men." So is Jesus. In fact, He wants you.

       Disciples. We know that Jesus had 12 of them. But how did He get started? How did Jesus make disciples? What did He do with these men? What did He say to them? What can we learn from the relationship of Jesus with His disciples? Did you know that before He chose the 12 to be His disciples Jesus had already probably spent 12-18 months with them? The first months that Jesus spent with His disciples are only found in John 1-4. Three days after Jesus's baptism we find the first interaction between Jesus and them. The story begins in John 1:35.

John 1:35-39

Again the next day after John stood, and two of His disciples; And looking upon Jesus as He walked, He said, Behold the lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said unto them,"What seek you?" They said unto Him, "Rabbi," (which is to say, being interpreted, Master) "where dwellest thou?" He saith unto them, "Come and see." They came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with Him that day.

1. Look for Opportunities
       Jesus' ministry did not begin with big meetings. It began with individual relationships. The story begins with two of John the Baptist's disciples. One was Andrew (v. 40). The other was probably John. And these two men begin walking behind Jesus, following Him. And Jesus turns and sees them following. In this whole section Jesus uses His eyes a lot. In verse 38 He takes a look at the two disciples following Him. In verse 42 He takes a good look at Peter. Then in verses 43 He searches for and finds Philip. Jesus probably went on to meet all of the twelve disciples during this time. Jesus was looking for opportunities to develop relationships with these men, all of whom were probably between the ages of 17 and 30.

       Many have great opportunities surrounding them but don't see them. They are like Ali Hafed, the Persian farmer, who sold his farm and traveled all over the world in an unsuccessful search for diamonds. He finally died in poverty and despair in a distant land. Thousands of diamonds were later discovered on his original farm. Near where you live are young people who are diamonds in the rough just waiting to be seen. We need to look for opportunities.

2. Initiate Conversations
       When Andrew and John start following Jesus, who spoke first? Verse 38 says, "Jesus turned, and saw them following and said to them..." Jesus took the initiative to speak first. He not only spoke first to Andrew and John but also to Peter and Philip. If Jesus had not spoken to them would He have had any disciples? These relationships began when Jesus took the initiative to speak first.

       Walter Henrichsen in his book, Disciples Are Made, Not Born says. "Several years ago I helped a young man who was afraid to witness. He was starting a student ministry so I asked, 'Joe, how many students do you know by name?' He could only name two or three. I said, 'Joe, in the next four weeks, get to know 50 students. You don't have to witness to them. Just get to know them. Stop by their rooms and talk with them. Go to athletic events with them. Eat meals together. Get to know 50 men so that one month from today, when I return, you can introduce me to each of them by name.' One month later I came back and found he had led six men to Christ. He discovered that as he became friends with non-Christians,' the Lord naturally gave opportunities to share his faith."

3. Find Their Life's Purpose
       In John 1:38 Jesus asks His new acquaintances one of the most fundamental questions in life. "What are you looking for?" He wanted to find out what their aim and goal was. Every human has a God-shaped void which only He can fill. Men try to satisfy this emptiness by working very hard to become rich, famous or powerful. But without God He is empty, still unsatisfied, still wanting something more. By finding out what people live for, what they feel would make them successful, what their life's purpose is, it will help us eventually to show them how Jesus will give their life the ultimate purpose and meaning. The apostle Paul said, "For me to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21).

4. Invite Them to Your House
       When these two disciples asked Jesus where He was staying, He said, "Come and See" (John 1:38-39). This implies more than they should see the place where He was staying. It was an invitation to visit Him. It led to their staying with Him that day. Its possible they spent the night. When Jesus invited them He was asking them to take a step closer to Him. By opening His home He was symbolically opening His heart. As they shared meals together they had the opportunity to get to know each other better and for their relationship to grow.

       When non-Christians come to your home don't expect them to act like Christians. Be patient with them. Do as much as you can together but don't join them in any activity that is wrong. Politely refuse. Be a friend of sinners but not of sin.

by Steve Nicholes
LINKS TO . . . Other Bible Messages Genesis Esther Daniel Philippians James Complete Discipleship Topics