Teach - Connect - Confide
Teach in bigger groups.
Taking a quick look at the recorded events of Jesus' life, no matter your views on the significance of how it relates to Christianity, we can find clear examples of how to be in a relationship with people.
In each of the four gospels, we see Jesus surrounded by crowds as he enters a city. He often seized the opportunity to speak and teach the groups.
But His deeper relationships were in smaller groups. There he could have more meaningful relationships.
He had a big group of 12, his followers; he was their teacher. I am sure they had great discussions, but a genuine connection is difficult, even in that size group.
Just think, in this time of video conferencing, if we tried to have a meaningful conversation with twelve others on the call. The conversation might be active and loud, but do we have meaningful connections? Jesus' time with the twelve was essential, but it is was not where he had his most profound, personal conversations.
Connect with three for accountability.
But Jesus also had his close three. When summoned to the home of Jarvis, the leader of the synagogue and standing in the presence of the twelve, he specifically asked only three to go with him. Only Peter, James, and John, the brother of James, were asked to travel with him. Mark 5:37
There is no mention of what went on during their travels, but we can imagine a more personal conversation between three than there ever was with the crowd or the twelve.
Confide in one.
Jesus also had just one.
The Apostle John referred to himself as "the one Jesus loved" (John 14:13) as He reclined on Him at the Last Supper. But John's loyalty as a friend to Jesus surpassed his speech. He was present in the Garden and the only one of the 12 at the foot of the cross.
Do I think there was an even deeper connection with the 'one?' Probably. Deep conversations happen one-on-one.
We learn when we sit under the teaching of a great thinker.
We can connect and learn from each other through discussions with fellow students.
Who are your three and one?
We find genuine friendship, accountability, and support when we find our 'three' or 'one.'
Do you have a group of three for accountability?
Do you have 'one' to confide in?
