“Growing Your Downline For Christ Jesus!”(Jn.135-42).
In multi-level marketing (MLM) downline positively describes “the consultants or representatives who work under another representative.” Today we have become skeptical downline because of people who try to talk us into ponzi schemes of “bring two persons who in turn bring two persons who bring two persons…” The more you grow your downline, the more you benefit by their expansions. Unfortunately a Ponzi scheme is another name for scam or fraud.
In the gospel according to John the recruitment of Jesus’ first disciples was a kind of MLM. John the Baptist and two of his disciples were at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan when they saw Jesus passing by. John said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” Hearing what John said, his two disciples followed Jesus. One of the two was Andrew. We are told that “the first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah…’ And he brought him to Jesus.”
John who was the herald of Jesus brought Andrew and the other disciple. Andrew in turn brought his brother Simon.
Andrew is a good example of mission to family first. His first mission was to search and preach to his brother Simon. It was a very brief message and the conversion was instantaneous! “We have found the Messiah!” Andrew did not only tell his brother; he brought him to Jesus.
Discipleship is not only bycoming to Christ and following him. Discipleship is about growing your downline by bringing in others who bring in others who bring in others, ad infinitum! I’m not going to be saved alone. And you too; you are not going to be saved alone. The train of salvation has myriad of coaches and all the seats must be filled as more passengers come on board at each stopping point. The train would be full before it gets to it’s destination.
Therefore, whoever has come to Jesus must recruit and grow her/his downline.
Other lessons to learn:
- John the Baptist was senior to Jesus. When he introduced Jesus to his disciples and they abandoned him and followed Jesus, John did not complain. He was not in competition with Jesus. He knew and acknowledged: “He must become greater; I must become less”(Jn.3:30).
- When the two came to Jesus, he asked them, “What do you want?” Jesus expects us to be clear on what we want from him. When we are fuzzy about our expectations we may become frustrated along the way.
- Andrew followed Jesus, then went and brought his brother Simon. But it was Simon who was identified for a special responsibility. When Simon came to Jesus, “Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas.’..(Peter).” God’s choice defies human criteria! It is not about who comes first, it is about how God sees what lies hidden within!
Prayer: Holy Spirit help us to grow more downline for the expansion of the kingdom of God. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Prayer point: Pray that the called should be zealous on calling others.
Rev Babila Fochang.