1-3-9 Multiplication

From the beginning of our training, we want to instill the importance of multiplication as we make disciples. Even as we are going out, working 2×2 in sharing the Gospel, we want to also emulate Jesus in the way that he made disciples. Jesus had 12 disciples, but he seemed to focus on 3 in particular – Peter, James, and John.

Jesus took these three with him to the transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13), into Jairus’s home to raise his daughter from the dead (Luke 8:49-56), and to pray with him in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46).

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think that Jesus focused on these three? What was special about them?
• What do you notice about these stories (the Transfiguration, Jairus’s daughter, and the Garden of Gethsemane) that made them particularly good opportunities to take these 3 with him?
• What was the outcome with these 3 after Jesus ascended to heaven and the disciples started their ministry?

Putting it into Practice

We also should focus on the 1-3-9, looking for people to invest into and multiply our discipleship work. Watch this video for an introduction to the 1-3-9 principle:

Discussion Questions

• How does the 1-3-9 principle relate to 2 Timothy 2:2?
• Do you know who your 3 people are yet? Can you write them down and name them?
• What is your next practical step in connecting with 3 people that you can mentor?