The second way to give yourself to your disciple for Jesus’ sake is spend time with them other than bible study. Yes, bible study is a part of it but not all of it. To disciple another means more than teaching doctrine. They have to learn why you live the way you live. They need to see how you react in certain situations and why you did so. They need to observe you in different environments so they can learn the many facets of a Christian’s life.
Thirdly, you give yourself away in a real big way when you allow your disciple to see your failures. It is very important that they see your failures as well as your victories. This is of course one area that the twelve would never see from their Master. He was the only perfect “discipler.” But for you and me it is important that we not hide our faults. That does not mean you go out of your way to sin so you can show your student your failures. Sooner or later, you are going to make a mistake. Don’t cover it up and try to hide it. Rather, turn it into an example for the disciple. Show him where you went wrong and why so that he may avoid the same mistake. Demonstrate to him the proper way a Christian should respond to his own sin, not by deception or refusing to take responsibility, but by quickly acknowledging the sin and turning from it. Let him see true remorse for sin without condemnation.
