Scripture to Read: Luke 8:1-3
Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke in parables throughout His earthly ministry. The dictionary defines a parable as “a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels.” This definition is simplistic, but Jesus used parables to teach His Word so we would understand how to love Him, obey Him, and live for Him every day. Jesus was continually on the move, preaching and teaching the Word of God from one city and village to the next (Luke 8:1). Jesus modeled for us what we ought to be doing each day as well. God has given each of us our sphere of influence. God desires us to live for Him and to proclaim Him among our family, friends, co-workers (if we have a job), people we go to school with (if we’re still in school), and people we are around because of shared interests like sports, music, art, etc…. Our Lord Jesus Christ also had those who were with Him who He invested in more intimately, the 12 disciples and many others who followed Him (Luke 8:1-3). As Christians, God has called us to make disciples as well (Matthew 28:18-20). If we’re not making disciples, we need to ask ourselves, “Why am I not investing in others and making disciples of Christ?” We have His Holy Spirit living in us, so we have everything we need (2 Peter 1:3-10) to live for Him and obey Him. We must be about His will and not our own.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about His call on your life to be the influencer and disciple-maker He has called you to be?
2. Who will you begin to share Christ with this week?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!