“Pull my finger!”
We all know what follows these words. We duck for cover, laugh, groan, and hold our noses.
“Brother!!”
This exclamation is used in many different situations and conversations.
“(Deep conversations and playful teasing.)”
These keep life interesting and help bring men closer.
At this point you’re probably thinking I’m talking about my team and I (and I definitely could be, especially with how often I hear “brother” each day). But, I’m really talking about Jesus and, more specifically, the disciples.
When we think of Christ and His disciples, we think, justifiably so, about miracles, teachings/parables, and the salvation and life we have through Jesus. But what about the in-between moments? What about when they all were walking from city to city for days at a time or sailing across the sea? What about when they were all sitting around the dinner table after a long day of ministry? Obviously, there were many, many teachings, but what about all the other moments?
At times, I think we can elevate the disciples to such a high level that we can forget that they were just regular, average, everyday dudes. There had to be many moments not recorded in the gospels where the disciples were walking down the road and Peter told a joke; where James leaned over to John and said, “pull my finger;” where Matthew exclaimed to Judas in excitement, “brother!” as they saw something new. This, I think, is what deep brotherhood looks like.
When we think of brotherhood between Christian men, we often think of small groups and digging into deep emotions; of doing something “manly” while on mission such as building a hospital; of Thursday morning breakfasts to hold each other accountable. While that along with Christ is the core of brotherhood, men need something more, and that, I’ve found out, is the little moments.
Over the past month, the first with only my team of men (Rhakma Rua) and not the whole squad, I’ve begun to see how important these little moments are. Whether it’s an impromptu deep convo on the bus to ministry or joking around as we lay the foundation for a restaurant, the little moments are what make a team, a team. They’re what make the day-to-day life even better. The laughs and exclamations make the long days brighter.
Obviously, the disciples were close because of their beliefs and what they had experienced together; but I think what held them together even tighter was the fact that they were friends. They not only got deep, but they got light. They joked, they played, and they laughed. In most ways, they were just like us.
That’s what I’ve been keeping in mind and learning as we minister this month. I love all the huge, incredible moments; but when I think about it, it’s the little ones that keep me engaged and coming back. So, like the disciples, I’m learning to love the little moments, because in the end, the big moments create brotherhood, but the little ones define it.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, If you have love for one another.” – John 13:35
God Bless!
-Ben
