I think we often take for granted the fact that Jesus lived and ministered with a group of twelve disciples. Moses didn’t do that. Neither did David or Elijah. In one sense, the apostles were unique. Jesus was setting apart twelve representatives for the birth of the church, patterned after the twelve tribes of Israel. But the character of the church was forever transformed by the fact that Jesus invested in a small group of disciples rather than just signing a book deal or travelling as a conference speaker. The impact of Jesus’ small group shows us why it’s important that we make time for small group fellowship ourselves.

1. Without a small group, people get the words but not the heart.

Jesus preached some remarkable sermons. It was in the fellowship of a small group, though, that people saw the heart behind the words. Imagine the impact it would have had for Peter to see Jesus heal his mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14-15). Remember the tears that Jesus shed at Lazarus’ tomb and how, in John 11:36, people remarked, “See how he loved him!” Sermons can just feel like words until we gather and feel the conviction and passion of others who believe those words.

2. Without a small group, people’s assumptions go unchallenged.

There’s often a gap between what’s said, what’s heard and what’s understood. Without small group fellowship, we carry assumptions that can go unchallenged. Peter assumed that the cross was a terrible idea until Jesus set him straight (Matthew 16:21-23). The disciples assumed that pouring expensive perfume on Him was a waste of money until Jesus explained otherwise (Matthew 26:6-11). Because the disciples spent time with Jesus, He was able to correct their assumptions and guide their understanding. When we make time for small group fellowship with the body of Christ, something similar happens today.

3. Without a small group, people’s questions go unanswered.

A sermon can try to anticipate questions and answer them, but there’s not enough time to answer every question that people have. The disciples’ questions were answered after Jesus’ sermons in the fellowship they enjoyed with Him. The disciples asked Him questions about parables (Luke 8:9), prophecies (Matthew 17:10) and the end times (Luke 21:7). But they also asked about more practical issues like divorce (Mark 10:9-12), sickness (John 9:2) and salvation (Matthew 19:25). Without small group fellowship, people either take their questions to Google or just stop asking them.

4. Without a small group, teachings go unapplied.

Jesus could preach about humility and servanthood, but it was in the context of fellowship that He could help the disciples apply those teachings. I love the time when Jesus asked the disciples what they had been talking about and it says, “they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest” (Mark 9:33-34). That gave Jesus an opportunity to confront a significant issue in their lives. Small group fellowship helps us to take biblical principles and figure out how they intersect with our lives.

5. Without a small group, mission is often neglected.

Jesus taught the crowds, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14), but it was as He sent out the disciples as a small group that they saw real results (Luke 9:1-6). Small groups can encourage each other in mission and partner together to make a difference in a neighbourhood or community. Without a small group, we’re just left with what we can do on our own.

Have you joined a group of disciples or are you just part of the crowd? People grow in small groups and often falter without them. We need the relationships and community that small group fellowship is intended to provide. With the pandemic, it has only become more important. Don’t wait until COVID-19 is behind us to get involved in a group. Follow Jesus into the fellowship He knows that we all need.

In awe of Him,

Paul