If someone asked you: “What did Jesus do?” How would you answer that question?
As a young disciple, I probably would have answered this question by describing Jesus’ public teaching. When I first followed Him, I lived in passages like the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7) and was so impressed by the Master’s eloquence and authoritative preaching.
Ten years later, my answer would have had more breadth and likely highlighted Jesus’ transcendent presence and supernatural power. In doing so, I might have quoted Luke: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him (Acts 10:38). What an amazing picture of a life well lived!
After almost fifty years with Jesus, my response these days is more holistic. From my perspective, what He did (equipping-based empowerment) flowed out of what He said (His Gospel of grace) and who He was (a selfless lover of people).
Want to see a picture of what Jesus did?
Check out the Upper Room!
“When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)” Acts 1:13-15
What a disciple-making example for us to emulate!
Given the context of the Gospels, here is what I am seeing as I meditate on this passage:
- For this community of one hundred-twenty, the last eight weeks have combined amazing highs and gut-wrenching lows: From the highs of a welcoming parade to the lows of an insider’s betrayal and the abandonment of Jesus’ best friends; from the lows of an unjustified crucifixion to the highs of a tangible resurrection.
- And now that Jesus is gone, His core followers are left with the Master’s words, ways and promises. They are also left with a transparent leadership community – one that is decentralized and grounded in its members’ character, spiritual gifting and experience.
- Accordingly, Peter, James and John have been equipped and empowered to serve as the initial, pacesetting leaders. Eight other seasoned apostles and a new ninth have related roles of oversight under these three. Many of the “seventy” are undoubtedly present as evidenced by this process. These disciples were also among Jesus’ followers and were thoroughly prepared to be carriers of His message and values under the Apostle’s leadership. And last, but not least: Any number of strong supporters including numerous women have been readied to exert Kingdom influence – a radical reality that signals the new day that is dawning (Acts 2!).
Want to see a picture of the Kingdom achievements of any Jesus follower?
Check out their Upper Room!
I am convinced and convicted that I, too, need to be investing in others like Jesus! And the end result of this lifetime focus will be my own, unique Upper Room legacy. It will consist of those who resonated with my understanding of Jesus, were hungry for Him and allowed me to help them become carriers of His words and ways.
My role with these servants? To pray for, teach, equip and empower each (Ex 18). Their role? To replicate this process and catalyze their own Upper Room.
So, here are a few questions for you to chew on:
Whose Upper Room are you in? Who has intentional invested in your heart (character) and hands (Kingdom capacity)? FYI: most disciples are in several Upper Rooms!
Who is currently in your Upper Room and what do they need from you in this season? Who is a potential member of your Upper Room that Jesus is inviting you to reach out to this week?
Expect more blogs on this amazing example from Jesus’ life!
Realigning to Jesus again today!
