Christ Apostolic Church Sunday School Lesson August 3, 2025 Lesson 28 : Title - Jesus Develops His Disciples (I)

Christ Apostolic Church Sunday School Lesson August 3, 2025 Lesson 28 : Title - Jesus Develops His Disciples (I)


PREVIEW CLASS 

Unit 4: Leadership Preparation In The New Testament (I) 


 Topic: JESUS DEVELOPS HIS DISCIPLES (I) 


 Memory Scripture 

Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). 


Jesus nurtured His disciples into empowered leaders through teaching, examplary and personal investment.


BRIEF COMMENT

Following Jesus entails believing in Him, observing His ways closely, and lea learning from Him. Jesus handpicked a few disciples to train them for the Kingdom's work. While Jesus plans to make men fishers of men, it is the duty of the called ones to follow. This call extends to all who are prepared to become the leaders God has destined them to be. He preached the Good News and instructed His disciples in the truth about God and Himself, employing various teaching methods. We are bound to learn from these laudable methods of His.


Our DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS Stated that:

 1. Jesus' teaching method wasn't about techniques, but about practically growing the character of His disciples.


 2. Quality leadership development requires quality impartation which is only possible through the deployment of quality methods.


*BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Mark 10:21* 

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

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10:21 Jesus showed genuine love for this man, even though he knew that the man might not follow him. Love is able to give tough advice; it doesn't hedge on the truth. Christ loved us enough to die for us, and he also loves us enough to talk straight to us. If his love were superficial, he would give us only his approval; but because his love is complete, he gives us life-changing challenges.


*AIM of this lesson is:* To understand Jesus' teaching and the methods He deployed in developing His disciples.


INTRODUCTION 


 *TEXTUAL SOURCE: Matthew 16:24, Mark 3:4,14; 10:45; Luke 10:1ff* 

This week's topic, "JESUS DEVELOPS HIS DISCIPLES (1)," shows us some of the teaching methods employed by Jesus in revealing Himself, His Father and His purpose to His disciples. After teaching them, He sent them out to put into practice all they had learnt under His tutelage.


What is tutelage? 

Guidance or instruction*

1. Guidance or instruction provided by an experienced person.

2. Care or supervision, often in a formal or official capacity.


*LESSON OUTLINE* 

 *I. HIS TEACHING METHODS FOR LEADERS* 


 *II. HE SENDS LEADERS ON PRACTICUM


*LESSON EXPOSITION* 


 *I. HIS TEACHING METHODS FOR LEADERS (Matt. 16:24; Mk. 3:4,14; 10:45; Jn. 1:35-42)* 

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?" (Jn. 13:12) 

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13:12 Jesus did not wash his disciples' feet just to get them to be nice to each other. His far greater goal was to extend his mission on earth after he was gone. These men were to move into the world serving God, serving each other, and serving all people to whom they took the message of salvation.


a) One of Jesus' teaching methods is the use of questions. Jesus' questions were rhetorical (Matt. 7:9-12; Mk. 3:33; Lk. 6:32-46). 


b) Mk. 3:4: Another method used by Jesus was the use of Example: Which is lawful on the Sabath...? Here, Jesus wasn't questioned about His ability to heal, but about when to do it. He demonstrated His purpose by healing the man with the withered hand.


c) Matt. 16:24: Jesus' teaching method included living as an example. deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Jesus lived a life of denial when He came from heaven to earth. 

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16:24 When Jesus used this picture of his followers taking up their crosses to follow him, the disciples knew what he meant. Crucifixion was a common Roman method of execution, and condemned criminals had to carry their cross through the streets to the execution site. Following Jesus, therefore, meant a true commitment, the risk of death, and no turning back.


Every leaders must be able to demonstrate what he want his followers to do in their presence. Do it and let them see. Some leaders used their position to use their disciples like a slave in the name of I'm training/building his spiritual life. Treating him and his family life a slave is a wickedness not a tutelage process. Don't push them to do dirty things you can't do because Jesus did not treat His disciples like slave.


d) Mk. 3:14:...that they might be with Him implies that Jesus maximised personal relationship with His disciples in teaching them. 

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3:14 From the hundreds of people who followed him from place to place, Jesus chose 12 to be his apostles. Apostle means "messenger or authorized representative." Why did Jesus choose 12 disciples? The number 12 corresponds to the 12 tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28), showing the continuity between the old religious system and the new one based on Jesus' message. Many people followed Jesus, but these 12 received the most intense training. 


Jesus did not choose these 12 to be his associates and companions because of their faith; their faith often faltered. He didn't choose them because of their talent and ability; no one stood out with unusual ability. The disciples represented a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences, but apparently they had no more leadership potential than those who were not chosen. The one characteristic they all shared was their willingness to obey Jesus. After Jesus' ascension, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to carry out special roles in the growth of the early church. We should not disqualify ourselves from service to Christ because we do not have the expected credentials. Being a good disciple is simply a matter of following Jesus with a willing heart.


Disciples are not to be treated as slave They are also "LEADERS IN THE MAKING"


Remember 

Moses and Joshua 

Elijah and Elisha

Elisha and Gehazi 

Eli and Samuel etc.


Most of leaders denied their disciples from many opportunities that would have help their destiny! Deceiving them with the idea of "his not mature enough". That is why you will see many disciples that the quality of their life has been used to serve. How can you keep someone for 20 years and more. Even in the secular no apprentice can serve for 10 - 15 years (or more) before getting a freedom. Stop putting people under any spiritual bondage by pretense!


e) 10:45: He taught and exemplified a life of service which was evident in His disciples' disposition to the Great Commission. Look at what He did in 13:12-17. Having first washed their feet, He charged them to do likewise.


f) Jn. 1:35-42: He asked the disciples who had left John what they wanted. This was to define His relationship with them, and that He might begin to impart them. 


g) Jesus communicated effectively using diverse teaching methods: parables, Scripture references, situational examples and direct instructions for practical living, ensuring His teachings were accessible, impactful, and relevant to His audience's lives.


*II. HE SENDS LEADERS ON PRACTICUM (Lk. 10:1ff)* 

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Practicum mean A practical experience or training


 To apple theoretical knowledge in a real-world. 


It also help to gain skills and experience through direct participation.


And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits (Mk. 6:7). 

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6:7 The disciples were sent out in pairs. Individually they could have reached more areas of the country, but this was not Christ's plan. The advantages in going out by twos include: (1) They could strengthen and encourage each other. (2) They could provide comfort in rejection. (3) They could give each and other discernment, and fewer mistakes would be made. (4) They could stir each other to action as a counter to idleness or indif- ference. Our strength comes from God, but he meets many of our needs through our teamwork with others. As you serve Christ, don't try to go it alone.


a) Lk. 10:1: The disciples were sent with a commission to fulfil. Their calling was honourable, for they were sent to a place where He Himself was about to go. This implies that He was also concerned about them, and not only those they were being sent to. 

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10:1 Far more than 12 people had been following Jesus. Here Jesus designated a group of 72 to prepare a number of towns for his later visit. These disciples were not unique in their qualifications. They were not better educated, more capable, or of higher status than Jesus' other followers. What prepared them for this mission was that they had been equipped with Jesus' power and a vision to reach all the people. It is important to dedi- cate our skills to God's Kingdom, but we must also be equipped with his power and have a clear vision of what he wants us to do.


You can't do it alone, allow your disciples to start doing/practicing what you have taught them or what they have seen you doing. Many leaders have kill talent and gifts. Don't expect them to give you anything before you start using them appropriately. Don't be a self-leader be a selfless-leader!


b) vv. 2-3: Jesus emphasised the weight of their calling but also disclosed the key to unlocking God's God's response-prayer. He warned them of the challenges ahead, comparing them to lambs among wolves (cf. Matt. 7:15; 10:16; Acts 20:29). 

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10:2 Christian service has no unemployment. God has work enough for everyone. Jesus encouraged the disciples not just to do the work but also to pray for workers. Part of every missionary's job is to pray for new workers and to help new- comers learn the ropes. Whatever your role in God's work, pray today for more helpers. Believers are not always to work alone. God wants them to pray, recruit, and equip others to join them as they explore opportunities to serve Jesus. Some people, as soon as they understand the gospel, want to go to convert people immediately. Jesus gave a different approach: begin by mobilizing people to pray. And before praying for unsaved people, pray that other concerned disciples will join you in reaching out to them. God will lead you to an important responsibility, but prayer comes first. 


10:3 Jesus said he was sending his disciples out "as lambs among wolves." They would have to be careful because they would surely meet with opposition. We, too, are sent into the world like lambs among wolves. Be alert, and remember to face your enemies, not with aggression but with love and gentleness. A dangerous mission requires sincere commitment.


d) v. 4: Furthermore, Jesus asked them not to take anything along which implies that they had to put their total trust in Him for provision. He emphasised the need to shun the inexorable, yet avoidable-worldly distractions. 


e) vv. 5-6: He prepared them against discouragement which could arise from the non-acceptability of their person and message. Jesus knew that the children of darkness would want to oppose the Light.


f) vv. 7-8: Here, Jesus assured them of their total welfare through the provision of the basic physiological needs. For every God-sent assignment, there is a ready-made allocation. 

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10:7 Jesus direction to stay in one house avoided certain problems. Shifting from house to house could offend the families who first took them in. Some families might begin to compete for the disciples' presence, and some might think they weren't 8:0 good enough to hear their message. If the disciples appeared od not to appreciate the hospitality offered them, the town might not accept Jesus when he followed them there. In addition, by staying in one place, the disciples would not have to worry continually about getting good accommodations. They could settle down and focus on their appointed task. (See also 9:4.) 


10:7 Jesus told his disciples to accept hospitality graciously because their work entitled them to it. Ministers of the Good News deserve to be supported, and our responsibility is to make sure they have what they need. There are several ways to encour- age those who serve God in his church: (1) See that they have an adequate salary; (2) see that they are supported emotionally-plan special times to express appreciation for something they have done; (3) lift their spirits with special surprises from time to time. Our ministers deserve to know we are giving to them cheerfully and generously.


The greatest achievement of any leader is when your disciples are doing what you thought them in your presence and absence without any mistake. Let people see your true leadership life and through your disciples!


g) The word ord practicum here means to have a practical experience of all that they (the disciples) had learnt from Jesus. Hope you are living the practical life of Jesus through His Spirit and the revelation in the scriptures. The world is your practicum field; be practical. That is the way to sharpen your leadership skills.


LESSONS DERIVED

 1. To develop leaders, the use of the right methods cannot be overemphasised.


 2. Jesus, the greatest Teacher and Leader, expects that we put into practice all that we learn from Him through the scriptures


*QUESTIONS* 

 1. Mention some teaching methods Jesus employed in developing His disciples?


 2. Jesus sent leaders on practicum. Discuss.

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