According to Jesus in Matthew 10:37-42, the marks of discipleship do not run through your family tree. Your genes and pedigree don’t make you a better disciple than anyone else. If you want to grow and train children as a family in the characteristics of discipleship that Jesus looked for, the Gospel of Matthew offers four practical steps. Each one is a different practice that families can do together with they are related biologically or spiritually.
- Witness baptism into Christ. When you witness a child being baptized into the church, you are participating together as a family. You are making a promise to that family to walk alongside them, model active faith, and nurture them in their journey.
- Model Christlike peace through family rejection. The second practice is difficult yet possible. When people distance themselves from us, we sow seeds of peace rather than revenge. We consider family struggles like these part of the journey of “taking up your cross.” We keep an open mind and open door to family members, knowing that the ones who wound us might one day return seeking God’s forgiveness.
- Show hospitality to strangers. Create space in your schedule for new people. Some of them might be God’s messengers. Invite people who are alone to sit with you at lunch. Offer rides home from church to people who need them.
- Share a cup of cold water with the disciples. The “little ones” are not just thirsty children. Jesus tells us the “little ones” are fellow disciples who need God’s grace, mercy, and living water. Sharing and caring for each other in times of need is an important practice.