Gospel for Asia – School of Discipleship: A Year to Draw Near

“It is good for me to draw near to God.” —Psalm 73:28

Have you ever noticed that Jesus’ disciples were always asking Him questions? Have you noticed how they were constantly trying to learn more about Him?

Perhaps you’ve noticed how, the longer they were with Him, the more confidence they had in His love for them and in His ability to supply all their needs—even those needs that seemed impossible to supply.


These men followed Jesus closely for three years. When He told them He would be leaving them, they practically begged Him to stay. They wanted to be near to Him just as they had for those three years.

Jesus assured them He would return for them. If I were one of His disciples, that would not have been sufficient. I, too, would have wanted Him to stay. Jesus knew that’s how they felt, so He also promised He would not leave them alone. He would send “Another” (the Holy Spirit) to teach, comfort, encourage and empower them.

“James, Jesus’ brother by Mary and Joseph, explained that if we really want God to draw near to us, we must draw near to Him (James 4:8). He did not write that as a suggestion but as an imperative.”

Let’s step back for a moment.

Have you noticed that there were many people who were amazed by the things Jesus did? Have you noticed that there were many who wanted to rub shoulders with this first-century celebrity? Have you noticed that many stopped following Him when He said things that were difficult for them to understand?

A.W. Tozer observed that “full knowledge of one person by another cannot be achieved in one encounter.”

Have you noticed that the disciples heard and saw the same things? But they drew nearer, wanting to know Him more intimately?

In practical terms, that’s what a disciple is: Someone who is completely, personally committed to embracing and living the life exemplified by their teacher. A disciple is a follower who can never get near enough to the mentor who guides them.

That is a fair description of GFA‘s School of Discipleship program. Someone has wisely said of each of us that “you are as close to God as you want to be.”


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