Jesus Had a Pod

When we think of Jesus and His "friends" we usually think of the 12 disciples. And yes, those were His closest companions. If you were lucky enough to be one of the 12, you knew Jesus in a special way.

What don't always realize, however, is that even though Jesus had a larger group of 12, there were 3 disciples that he spent the most time with: Peter, James, and John. They were His inner circle.

They were with Him while He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, they witnessed His transfiguration, and they saw Him raise Jairus's daughter from the dead. They saw him in some of His mountain top moments, and some of His darkest trials. 

The truth is, you can't be completely emotionally and spiritually available to absolutely everyone in the same capacity. You need some of those friends in your life who really know you. Those friends who can tell when you are "off". Who know your dreams and plans. Who know what your giftings and callings are. Who can be honest to you when you need some tough love.

I don't know if you already have those people in your life or if you are already looking for them, but I hope your "pod" is either created or strengthened to be just that kind of group.

You alone with your Bible is powerful, but you in community is Biblical!

Pods are small groups o f 4-6 ladies who get together once a week to study the Word in
community. Pods are so much more than just a small group though! These are "your people". 

That doesn't mean you don't love and serve people outside of that group, but just that it's a different type of relationship.

As you grow through God's Word there will inevitably be some weeds in your heart that need pruning along the way. There will be some victories to celebrate as you see fruit blooming. There will be revelations given and trials walked through. The ladies in your pod are going to witness a lot of that.

They will be your personal cheerleading section just like you will be for them. Encourage one another. Pray for one another. Love one another well. Determine to be unified no matter what comes up. Try and see things from their perspective when they are vulnerable about something important to them. Echo the voice of the Lord in their life instead of the voice of the enemy.

There are going to be times when you disagree on theology or interpretation of scripture. That's expected. Share your points of view with love and don't let it divide you.

You get the beautiful opportunity to help your pod grow in the Lord. Don't squash it!

Four is the ideal number in my opinion. Four people can easily meet in most homes or restaurants. Four gives you an even number so that no one feels like a third wheel and offers a variety of perspectives. However, the goal is multiplication! So, start with four, but look for people to join your group. Once you get 8+ people who consistently show up you might want t o consider splitting into 2 groups if that feels like the right thing to do.

Your pod will decide on a time and place to meet each week to discuss what the Lord has been speaking to you through your time in the Word. You could meet in each others' homes, at a restaurant or coffee shop, virtually via Zoom o r Marco Polo, at the park while the kids play... you get the idea. It's whatever works for your group.

This likely won't be the only time you talk to one another though. Hopefully, as your relationships deepen you will be checking in on each other throughout the week as well. 

I'm praying for your pods. That they would grow deep and that unity would bind you together.

I'm praying that you find that inner circle like Jesus had. Not perfect by any means. But close, present, and hungry.

I'm looking forward to what the Lord is going to do as you Grow Through the Word in Community.