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A number of years ago I was planning “Discipleship Sunday” with a pastor and one of his elders. I was going to teach time with God during the Sunday School hour, preach the service, and then have something after church over lunch. We had also planned some follow-up activities. The elder articulated his reservation to the plan with something like, “Not everyone will want to participate.” The pastor wisely responded, “We will never offer a growth opportunity in which everyone will participate. That’s no reason not to offer it!”

As much as we would like for everyone to enthusiastically embrace their disciple-making mission, it won’t happen. Jesus didn’t reach everyone: each of John chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 ends with confusion and division. Here’s an example:

On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.” Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?” Thus the people were divided because of Jesus. (John 7.40 – 43, NIV)

It’s always been about a biblical concept called the “remnant.” Isaiah’s call to ministry is recorded in Isaiah 6 where he is told explicitly that he will fail to turn all of the people. (See Isaiah 6.8 – 13) But there is also the promise of a remnant who will bear fruit.

And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward. For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 37.31, 32, ESV)

So we will write, speak, make disciples, and encourage pastors and others to do the same, knowing that none of our clever methods will reach everyone. We’re just looking for reliable people who will teach others also.

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2.1, 2, NIV)