Written by Wendy Neill,volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

When Jesus was on the earth, His pattern was to go from town to town, teach people about the Kingdom of God, and back it up with the authority to heal and do miracles. His ministry bore abundant fruit as people believed, repented, and followed Him.

But Jesus knew His time on earth was short. Part of His bearing fruit was to teach others to do the same. John Mark Comer, in his book Practicing the Way, points out that Jesus used the same methods as other rabbis of His time. He chose His disciples, had them be with Him, become like Him,then do as He did.As apprentices to Jesus, these are the same steps we should follow. We must spend time in His presence, become like Him in the way we live, and do as He did. Only then can we bear fruit.

In Matthew 10, the time had come for the Twelve to advance to the last phase: doing as He did. Jesus told them to go throughout Israel and gave these instructions:

As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.(Mt 10:7-8 NIV)

In the parallel passage in Luke 9, it says “So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere” (Lk 9:6). In Mark 6, we read, “They went out and preached that people should repent” (Mk 6:12). The disciples were not sent with a different message than Jesus preached. Likewise, if we want to bear fruit today, our message remains the same:

1. We have good news!
2. The Kingdom of God is near.
3. Repent: turn away from sin and toward God.

We also find out in Mark’s account that Jesus sent them two by two. God knows our fruit bearing is maximized when we help one another, especially since we will face persecution. Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat it. He warns the Twelve that they will be “like sheep among wolves,” that some will not welcome them or listen, that they will be hated, and that some of them will even be arrested and flogged (Mt 10:16-22). But in verses 26-31, He reiterates three times, “do not be afraid.” He backs that up with a promise: "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven” (Mt 10:32).

Do you find yourself scared to share your faith? Let this story remind you of a few important things:

1. Learning to share your faith is easier with a buddy.
2. You will probably get pushback, and it might be severe.
3. Don’t be afraid.
4. Jesus will welcome you to Heaven if you acknowledge Him before men.

In Luke 10, Jesus expands His team beyond the Twelve.

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. (Lk 10:1-2)

Their job was to prepare people’s hearts to accept Jesus when He came to them, and to ask God for even more workers to glean the harvest of souls. The sending of the 72 shows that fruit bearing was never meant to belong only to the apostles. Jesus widened the circle. More workers were needed because the harvest was—and still is—plentiful.

Jesus intentionally multiplied His ministry by preparing disciples and sending them out. First came the Twelve, then the 72, and eventually all believers who would carry the gospel to the world. The same invitation remains for us today. As we spend time with Jesus, become more like Him, and step out in faith to do as He did, He can use us to prepare hearts, share the good news, and gather a harvest for His Kingdom. The harvest is still plentiful.

How might God be asking you to bear fruit by sharing the Good News with someone in your family, neighborhood, or community?