Jesus has set for us a model of mentoring through His examples while on earth. Rev Simon Ang examines the Bible and shares these perspectives.
Mentoring is a timeless concept that has been practiced across cultures and generations. In the Bible, Jesus stands as the ultimate model of mentoring, demonstrating profound love, compassion, and transformative leadership.
Jesus’ words in John 15:4, “Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
Abiding means I get into Christ in such a way that I go so deep into Jesus that we become one. It means you have a life source that grows you. And every mentoring relationship whether you are the mentor or the one being mentored must begin with us abiding in Him. That is the foundation stone of how Jesus modeled mentoring for us. This article explores three key perspectives of Jesus’ approach to mentoring.
Transformation through Relationship Building
One of the most compelling aspects of Jesus’ ministry is His emphasis on cultivating deep and authentic relationships with His disciples.
One of the most compelling aspects of Jesus’ ministry is His emphasis on cultivating deep and authentic relationships with His disciples. In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus calling His first disciples, Simon and Andrew, by the Sea of Galilee, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17) This simple but profound invitation marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
Jesus selected twelve disciples, whom He taught and mentored closely. He modeled a servant-leader mentality, demonstrating humility and genuine care for the disciples’ growth. One remarkable example of Jesus’ discipleship is found in the washing of the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17) By this act of humility, Jesus exemplified the importance of serving others and cultivating a heart of compassion. As mentors, we can adopt a similar perspective with our mentees by demonstrating care and humility whilst guiding them through their journey of growth.
Jesus’ call to discipleship goes beyond just a casual interaction. It is a dynamic and relational experience in which He walks alongside his disciples, sharing life experiences and spiritual insights.
Equipping through Empowerment
Another significant perspective of Jesus’ mentoring model is His commitment to equipping His disciples for their ministries.
Another significant perspective of Jesus’ mentoring model is His commitment to equipping His disciples for their ministries. Jesus was renowned for His exceptional teaching skills, employing various methods to impart spiritual truths and wisdom to His disciples.
In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus delivered a masterful teaching that outlined the Kingdom of God. His teachings went beyond mere intellectual knowledge; they challenged His listeners to live out their faith authentically.
But Jesus’s mentoring approach went beyond teaching and discipleship; He empowered His followers to become leaders themselves. Jesus entrusted His disciples with responsibilities, giving them opportunities to exercise their faith, learn from their mistakes, and ultimately grow into effective leaders.
Before His ascension, Jesus commissioned His disciples to continue His work by making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). He promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower for this task. By entrusting His followers with the Great Commission, Jesus instilled confidence, courage, and a sense of purpose within them.
Likewise, as mentors, we need to prioritize equipping our disciples with the Word, spiritual gifts, and practical skills. We need to encourage them to step out in faith and embrace the power of the Holy Spirit to influence and impact their spheres of influence. Our discipleship is not just about transferring knowledge, but it is also the activation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Reproduction through Multiplication
The third perspective of Jesus’ mentoring model is the concept of reproduction and multiplication.
The third perspective of Jesus’ mentoring model is the concept of reproduction and multiplication. Jesus’ investment in His disciples was not merely for their personal growth but also for the expansion of God’s kingdom. He intended for them to continue His teachings and replicate the mentoring process with others.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus states, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do…” (John 14:12)
This multiplication principle aligns with the idea of spiritual revival and growth. The Pentecostal movement itself has experienced waves of revival throughout history, marked by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and a renewed passion for evangelism. Just as Jesus’ disciples spread His teachings and initiated a movement, Pentecostal believers are encouraged to multiply their spiritual impact by mentoring others and igniting spiritual renewal.
As mentors, we need to be intentionally investing in the next generation so that they can contribute to the continual growth and expansion of the Church. This model of reproduction resonates with Jesus’ call for believers to bear fruit that remains and inspire others to do the same.
I conclude that Jesus’ model of mentoring highlights the depth and richness of His approach. From building transformative relationships to equipping through empowerment and reproducing through multiplication, Jesus’ mentoring model is a blueprint for believers seeking to impact the world for Christ. By embracing these perspectives, Spirit-filled mentors and mentees alike can experience a holistic and impactful mentoring journey that reflects the heart of Jesus’ ministry.
Rev Simon Ang is the Senior Pastor of Moriah Assembly of God and the Assistant General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Singapore.
