Jesus has called every believer to be a “disciple maker” (Matthew 28:19) – to walk alongside others, helping them as they learn to trust and follow Jesus. But are you prepared for the reality of what this involves? Like new-born babies, immature believers need a lot of help and support, and even correction, along the way.
Jesus’ disciples did not start out as mature believers. Jesus therefore had to contend with many things as he walked alongside these very immature disciples.
Below are some examples from the Gospels that can help us understand and work with the immature people in our own world. Let this encourage you as you endeavour to walk alongside those around you.
Immature people can be very black and white
When Jesus and His disciples were rejected by Samaritan villagers, James and John wanted to call fire down on their village (Luke 9:51-56). Their attitude was one of judgment. They even had biblical support for their stance (1 Kings 1:9-12). Immature people see things in a black-and-white way. They do not yet realise that not everything is black or white. In fact, God’s Kingdom is full of vibrant colour!
Immature people lack discernment
James and John lacked understanding and discernment regarding why Jesus wanted to travel through Samaritan territory. Their harsh reaction brought a sharp rebuke from Jesus as He said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them” (Luke 9:55-56). In the same way, immature people today often lack discernment, and sometimes even partner with a wrong spirit. If this happens, we should not be afraid to bring the needed correction.
Immature people tend to focus on what’s immediately in front of them
Travelling through Samaria, the disciples only see enemies. Yet Jesus sees a ripe harvest (Luke 10:2). Later, when the 70 return from sharing about the Kingdom of God in various Samaritan towns, their focus is on seeing demons cast out in Jesus’ name (Luke 10:17-20). Jesus points out that much more was taking place. Satan was being cast down (verse 18). Instead of rejoicing that the demons obeyed them, Jesus points the underlying reality of what was going on in the spiritual realm. God was working through them, and they needed to remember this. Immature people need to be shown there is more going on than what is immediately in front of them. God is at work and He is the One who should get the glory.
Immature people tend to judge from a surface level or from outward appearance
There are a number of instances where the disciples acted on surface level judgments. James and John judged the Samaritans because of their rejection of them. The disciples rebuked mothers and fathers who were bringing children to Jesus, for Him to bless them (Mark 10:13-16). They also tried to quieten the blind man at Jericho who was calling out to Jesus (Luke 18:35-43). When we see immature people casting judgment, let’s endeavour to help them see beyond the superficial layer.
Immature people don’t see the bigger picture
There’s an instance where John proudly tells Jesus they have stopped someone from driving out demons, simply because that person was not one of them (Mark 9:38-41). John thought they were doing the right thing. In response, Jesus tells them not to stop the person. He points out that it’s not about whether someone is part of their group or not. There’s a far larger purpose involved – that of extending the Kingdom of God. Just like John, immature people need to be taught to see beyond their “group” and to be encouraged to grasp the larger picture of God’s Kingdom purposes.
Immature people can say inappropriate things
The classic example of this is at the transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8). Peter is terrified at seeing Jesus in all His glory. He blurts out the first thing that comes into his mind – essentially “I’m so glad we are here!” Peter then suggests building a monument to the moment. He has no idea what is really happening, and his self-focus reveals this. Immature people will often display their immaturity by making inappropriate remarks. Let’s be sure to lovingly correct them where needed.
When faced with challenges, immature people might turn away for a time, and even deny their calling
Immature people often do not handle challenges well. It’s up to us to be the more mature person and keep the door open to them, even when they falter and fall. Jesus did not turn away from Peter when he denied Him (Luke 22:54-62). He held no ill-will towards Peter. Instead, Jesus looked towards Peter rather than turning away (verse 61). He stayed engaged with Peter, later reinstating him (John 21:15-17). Let’s not cut off those who display their immaturity during challenging times. Rather, let’s stay engaged and open as they journey through their difficulties.
Immature people sometimes go to sleep when you’d like them to stand and pray with you through a tough time
Jesus very seldom asked His disciples to do anything personal for Him. Yet just prior to his arrest, He asked His three closest disciples to watch and pray with Him (Mark 14:32-42). Jesus even revealed the seriousness of what he was facing and how overwhelmed He felt. But when He found them sleeping, He did not rebuke them for their immaturity or lack of endurance. We should not be surprised or disappointed when immature believers let us down. Instead, recognise they still have some growing to do.
Immature people easily run away during tough times
During Jesus’ most harrowing time, almost all His disciples deserted him. It seems only John and the women were present as Jesus suffered and died on the cross (John 19:25-27). Sometimes immature people will walk out on you too. They simply do not have the internal fortitude to face really tough times. We therefore should not expect them to stand when they simply do not have the maturity to do so.
Immature people question things and sometimes need proof before they believe and follow
Thomas needed proof of Jesus’ resurrection before he would believe it had truly taken place (John 20:24-29). Immature people often find it difficult to walk by faith, and will sometimes need some kind of proof before they will wholeheartedly embrace God’s truth.
Jesus’ invitation
The reality is, Jesus chose these immature people. He invited them on a 3-year journey and taught them along the way. Jesus saw the outcome before they had any idea of what was ahead for them. He invested in their growth and prayed for them (e.g. John 17). He rebuked and corrected them when they went astray. All along the way, He never closed the door to any of them (even Judas!).
Do you realise that Jesus did NOT see them come to maturity in His lifetime (on earth)? Sometimes we don’t either. Are we prepared to just be part of their larger journey?
When someone begins the journey of discipleship, they are very immature. That’s often why being a “disciple maker” is incredibly challenging. Are we prepared for the reality of what this involves? It requires that we stay close to Jesus, allow ourselves to be fully embraced in the love of God, actively follow every leading of the Holy Spirit, and see beyond the “now.” The fact is that in order to be a disciple-maker, we will need to become humble and obedient disciples ourselves!
