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As we follow the example of our Lord and Savior, we can glean some insights of discipleship through His interaction with people. There is so much we can learn from our Lord, but I would like to point out few 'points' within the context of our discussion.

Jesus allowed people to approach Him with the questions and concerns on their heart. Let's look at a few examples:

(1) Nicodemus - John 3:1-11

John 3:1-11 (KJV) - There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. (read through v.21 for context)

(2) James and John - Mark 10:35-45

Mark 10:35-45 (KJV) - And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

(3) The Rich Young Ruler - Mark 10:17-22

Mark 10:17-22 (KJV) - And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

(4) The Disciples - Mark 10:23-30

Mark 10:23-30 (KJV) - And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Now, when you read these verses, there are some underlying themes. Jesus was (1) available, accessible, and approachable; (2) allowed others to ask just about any question and make any comment; and (3) responded to each question and concern and raising their level of understanding toward righteousness

In sharing the Gospel message, we must avail ourselves as Christ's ambassadors to represent Him when called upon. Being available is not 'solely' being at church on time, attending every service, and volunteering in various church auxiliaries. These are areas of availability, but they don't always provide the venues for available ministry.

Many people will not honestly voice their true questions and concerns in public. Many will maintain a persona of 'all-togetherness' in order to deflect any notion of being weak, broken, or unacceptable.

In our own right, we each have questions to ask, problems for solving, and concerns to address. Some can be easily explained and others are more complex. There are two issues in addressing our concerns:

1. Finding the 'right' person to share our problem(s) with. God has placed people within our reach to help us sort through our issues. Though there are millions of people around us, there may be a select few that can help. Many are people we admire and respect - whether it is a co-worker, Pastor, friend, minister, etc. (some may be strangers).

2. Finding the 'right' time to speak. The right time for one person isn't always the right time for another. Both parties should be open to unexpected moments to address their concerns and minister. Some people will call you in the morning, late night, want to talk after the church service, or stop you in the department store. Be open and available.