Study 2: Jesus Gathers His Disciples

Many of us come from cultures that prioritize the individual: we work on our own and are expected to overcome challenges on our own. From a spiritual perspective, we often think of faith as a personal journey between "me and Jesus" alone. Scripture consistently portrays discipleship as a community event though. When Jesus called His followers, He didn't just call them to Himself—He called them to one another.

Learning Moment:

Reflecting back to one another. start your group time by briefly reflecting back on how your last meeting impacted your life: what changed in your thinking? what did you do in response? how is it still changing you? These are the sorts of questions you can answer in this time!

From The Episode:

The final moments Jesus spent with His disciples before His crucifixion reveal the essential practices that bind us together as a community discipling together:

Breaking Bread Together

• During the Last Supper, Jesus established the first communion, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." This sacred meal wasn't meant to be taken alone but shared among believers as a communal remembrance of His sacrifice. The disciples ate together, strengthening their bonds through shared meals and conversation.

Speaking Truth in Love

• Jesus created space for honesty and accountability among His followers. He openly predicted His betrayal and Peter's denial, modeling transparent communication. When Thomas expressed doubt about the way forward, Jesus didn't rebuke him but addressed his concerns directly. True discipleship communities create safe spaces for vulnerability where we can voice our struggles without fear of rejection.

Serving One Another

• In one of His most profound teachings, Jesus washed His disciples' feet, then instructed them: "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet." This humble act demonstrates that authentic community isn't about status but service—each member contributing to others' wellbeing.

Praying Together and For One Another

• Jesus taught His disciples to pray together and for each other. His powerful intercessory prayers in John 17 reveal His heart for their unity: "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one." When we gather to pray, we participate in Jesus' ongoing intercession for His church.

The Motivation: Love

What fuels this community of disciples? Jesus makes it clear: "Love one another as I have loved you." This is no small request—it's love measured by what is to come (the cross). "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." Our love for fellow believers isn't optional or secondary; it's the primary way the world recognizes us as Christ's disciples.

Discussion and Application

As we seek to follow Jesus faithfully, let's remember that we were never meant to walk this path alone. The practices Jesus modeled with His first disciples—sharing meals, speaking truth, serving one another, and praying together—remain the lifeblood of authentic Christian community today.

When we gather, whether in homes, coffee shops, or church buildings, we're participating in the same community Jesus established with those first followers. Through our imperfect but sincere attempts to love one another, we make the invisible kingdom visible. Reflect and discuss…

• How might viewing discipleship as a community practice rather than solely a personal journey change your spiritual practices?

• Which of the four community practices described above comes most naturally to you? Which do you find most challenging? How can you better incorporate them all into your discipleship rhythms?