Why Jesus Didn’t Spend Much Time Leading Bible Studies
John H. Bunn
I’m convinced that the primary way people are discipled is through relationships. Consider this: the Bible offers us very little in terms of a systematic approach to discipleship—or, in other words, living out biblical principles. Instead, the majority of the Bible gives us accounts of peoples’ real lives and, specifically, their relationships. Here are a few examples:
- David and Jonathan
- The disciples jockeying for a position next to Jesus
- Jacob and Esau
The Bible, often times, reads more like a novel than a holy book. I’m amazed by the fact that God revealed truth to humanity through the stories of real people—their ups and downs, their successes and shortcomings, their joys and sorrows, their relationships—scream of the value God places on being connected to us. The very nature of the Trinity itself suggests to us that, above all things, God is a relational God.
Chew on this: Jesus, though he was a small group leader, didn’t really spend much time leading Bible studies or convening discipleship groups. But nearly every one who was around him was forever changed. So what was the difference for Jesus? Jesus was intentional with his relationships.
So, you’re a small group leader. You’re in a small group. What’s your intentionality level? Are you merely leading the meeting, or are you intentionally and deliberately connecting with those in your group, outside of group time, in order to build into them?
Leading the meeting is the easy part. Spending time to develop relationships takes more time and can be frustrating. But consider the payoff.
I recently decided to become more intentional with my small group relationships. I now meet with the guys I lead one-on-one at least once a month—just to chat about life issues. I believe that what happens outside of “group time” is more important than what happens during “group time.” If we are intentional in our relationships, discipleship will happen. It’s far more than just leading a discussion. It’s all about the relationships.
Think It Through: Are you relationally connecting with group members outside of group time? What is the downside to doing so? What is the upside potential to becoming more intentional with your small group relationships?
