A Community of Multiplication: Discipleship Grows in Community and Multiplies Through Relationships

Mark 1:14–20 – Following Jesus Together for the Sake of Others

Introduction

The Christian life is personal, but never private. From the beginning, Jesus called people not merely to believe in Him but to follow Him in community. Discipleship is not a solo journey. It is a shared life with others, shaped by Christ and sent into the world for the sake of His kingdom.

As we follow Jesus together, something remarkable happens: multiplication. The gospel spreads not primarily through programs but through people. One disciple invites another. One group becomes two. The love and truth of Jesus overflow through relationships into families, neighborhoods, and nations. Psalm 1 gave us a picture of a flourishing tree rooted by streams of water. Here in Mark 1, Jesus begins the multiplication of a gospel forest, calling people to follow Him so that they might become “fishers of men.”

Gospel Exposition: Mark 1:14–20

Mark’s Gospel begins with urgency. Jesus proclaims, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (v.15). The reign of God has come in the person of the King. But Jesus doesn’t stop at proclamation; He calls people to follow Him and form a gospel-shaped community.

Walking by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calls Simon and Andrew, then James and John. “Follow me,” He says, “and I will make you become fishers of men” (v.17). These words are both an invitation and a promise. They leave their nets, their boats, and even their father to follow Him. Jesus is not merely gathering hearers but forming disciples, and He does so in community.

Jesus doesn’t say, “Go become disciples and then find a mission.” He says, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” To follow Jesus is to be formed by Him and sent by Him. From the beginning, discipleship is communal and missional.

A Gospel Community on Mission

Jesus began His ministry by forming a small group of disciples who would live life with Him. They asked questions, shared meals, confessed sin, and witnessed miracles. Through their life together, they were transformed.

Today, the church is the continuation of that gospel community. Discipleship flourishes in a body of believers where we are:

• Known – honest about our struggles, doubts, and sin.
• Loved – experiencing the grace of Christ through others.
• Challenged – urged to grow in obedience through the encouragement and truth of Scripture.
• Sent – empowered to make disciples who make disciples.

We need the presence of others to sharpen us, to remind us of grace, and to keep us from drifting. A healthy church becomes a greenhouse where gospel growth and multiplication naturally occur.

Called to Multiply

Jesus didn’t say, “Come and sit.” He said, “Come and follow.” The call to discipleship demands movement and results in multiplication. The early church in Acts lived this out: they gathered regularly for worship, prayer, and teaching, and they scattered to proclaim Christ. As they were filled with the Spirit, they made disciples in homes, cities, and even hostile environments.

Multiplication is not driven by guilt or busyness but by gratitude and joy. The love of Christ compels us to invite others in, not out of obligation but from overflow:

• Invite someone into your home or life.
• Start or join a discipleship triad.
• Share your story with a neighbor.
• Walk alongside someone new in their faith.

You don’t have to be a theological expert to multiply. If you are rooted in Christ and walking in community, you are ready to disciple others.

Worshipping Jesus

• Worship Jesus as the King who calls us not only to salvation but also to shared mission.
• Thank Him for forming us in community and not in isolation.
• Praise Him for the Spirit’s work in multiplying the gospel through ordinary people like us.

Reflection and Response

1. Who are you walking with in discipleship? Are you growing in community or drifting alone?
2. How has God used gospel friendships or small groups to shape your walk with Christ?
3. What step can you take this month to participate in gospel multiplication, whether by inviting someone in, starting a triad, or encouraging a new believer?

A Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me to follow You and for giving me the gift of gospel community. Forgive me for where I isolate or fear investing in others. Grow my heart for people. Form me through my brothers and sisters in Christ and send me to share Your good news. Spirit, multiply Your life through me, not for my glory, but for the joy of others and the fame of Jesus. Amen.

Discipleship Challenge

This week, reach out to someone in your church or neighborhood whom you can encourage spiritually. Consider starting a discipleship triad or committing to pray with someone regularly. Ask the Lord to give you eyes to see those who are hungry for Christ and the courage to walk alongside them.

“Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” —Mark 1:17

Next Up - Soil, God's Presence in the Church