By Staff Writer, Matt Osborne When announced that veteran signal-caller, Aaron Rodgers, would be joining the New York Jets for the 2023 season, the organization quickly became the talk of the league. Many experts thought the addition of Rodgers could propel the Jets to their first Super Bowl win in over 50 years. The talented roster around him certainly made such talk seem plausible. Much of that enthusiasm surrounding the Jets has quickly died down, however, now that Rodgers tore his left Achilles tendon in Game 1 against Buffalo, abruptly ending his season just as quickly as it started. Amid the disappointment created by Rodgers’ injury, one silver lining from the situation has been the continued support Rodgers has shown teammate, Zach Wilson, who will replace him under center. It's no secret Rodgers wasn't the beneficiary of intentional peer mentoring when his career got started in Green Bay. At that time, Rodgers was serving as the backup to Hall of Famer Brett Favre, who readily acknowledged that he had little interest in helping to train his eventual replacement. But it doesn't seem that Rodgers has carried that same attitude into his relationship with Wilson so far. In an article posted on ESPN.com, Wilson commented on Rodgers’ role as a mentor by saying, “He's done an amazing job, more than we could ask for as quarterbacks.” Offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett, was also quoted concerning the relationship between Rodgers and Wilson by saying, “ might have coached him more than I have or Todd has, and I think he's benefitted from that.” Rodgers has already had an impact on Wilson and will now have an even greater opportunity to walk alongside him throughout the season. He can help him develop, learn, and understand what it takes to be a productive NFL quarterback. As followers of Jesus, there's something we can definitively take away from this situation. In what is commonly referred to as the “Great Commission,” Jesus commanded His followers in Matthew 28:19 (ESV) to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This command to “make disciples” means that we have to be intentional to build relationships with other believers and pour into their lives in meaningful ways. As tempting as it can be to isolate ourselves and simply focus on our own situation, we must make the effort to spend significant time and energy building up other people as they follow Christ. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV) says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Just as Rodgers will hopefully continue to make a concerted effort to spend time teaching Wilson things that will strengthen his abilities on the gridiron, we must take the time to teach others to help build them up in their faith. We must also remember that this is a responsibility not reserved just for a select group of believers. Rather, all followers of Jesus have been commanded to play a part in discipling and helping others grow on their road to Christian maturity. Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) reminds us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” We also have the command in Colossians 3:16 (NLT) to, “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” When everyone is involved in the process of discipleship, everyone wins! We all benefit from the encouragement, wisdom, and counsel that we receive from our brothers and sisters in Christ. That also means that when one person is not doing their part in helping to disciple others, the body of Christ as a whole suffers. So today, let’s be intentional to spend time discipling and teaching others. Let's sacrificially pour into the lives of those around us so that we can see them thrive as they follow Jesus. I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to play a part in the maturation process of others. Please help me see the opportunities for discipleship around me, and to be intentional in giving of myself for the sake of others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. In your own experience, how have intentional discipleship efforts from other believers helped you grow in your own walk with God? 2. What are some practical ways that you could be more intentional about participating in discipleship right now?
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