Cultivating the Kingdom | Mentor

In January 2015, two men dared to defy gravity.

American rock climbers, Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson, completed the first continuous climb of the Dawn Wall of El Capitan mountain.

[[[show pic of the Dawn Wall, El Capitan]]]

The Dawn Wall is a sheer slab of granite that rises 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Prior to Tommy and Kevin, the Dawn Wall had never been climbed. Even for the world’s best, it was seen as an impossible ascent.

Beginning in 2008, however, Tommy Caldwell saw the possibilities in the impossible. Widely regarded as the greatest living free climber in the world, he began searching the wall for a route. After a few years of trying on his own, he realized that he needed a partner to help him continue, so he recruited the much younger, tenacious, but inexperienced Kevin to join his team.

Through Tommy’s mentorship, they finally pieced together a possible route.

After 6 years of preparation, they devised a plan to climb the wall in one continuous push, meaning they would live on the wall until they either completed the ascent or gave up.

Here’s a picture of their home in the sky called a porta-ledge:

[[[show pic of Tommy and Kevin on a porta-ledge]]]

Their attempt attracted media attention from every major outlet across the world, and their climb was featured in a 2018 documentary film called The Dawn Wall.

[[[show pic of Dawn Wall poster]]]

I highly recommend it.

The route they developed is made up of 32 pitches, each about 150 feet in length, the standard size of a climbing rope. To ascend the wall, one man would climb, while the other belayed. Then, once that man reached the top of the next pitch, he would belay the other man. For the first couple days, this leapfrog routine continued without any issue until on day 3, Kevin failed to complete the 15th pitch on the route.

In the years preceding their official attempt, Tommy and Kevin practiced each pitch in preparation for their push. Tommy completed each one of the 32 pitches multiple times. Kevin, however, successfully completed every pitch, except for pitch 15.

No matter how hard he tried, he was never able to successfully traverse Pitch 15 in practice.

Now, with the summit on the line, he’s stuck again.

After several days and dozens of attempts to complete Pitch 15, Tommy reached a decision point: does he continue without his partner and summit, or does he stay with Kevin to help him do the impossible?

Everyday that they spent living suspended thousands of feet in the air on the side of the Dawn Wall increased the risks of illness and injury that threatened the completion of the climb, so Tommy decided to continue without Kevin.

Over the next couple days, every pitch that Tommy completed placed him further ahead of Kevin.

When Tommy reached Pitch 19, however, the last of the most difficult pitches on the route, Tommy realized something profound about being a mentor: his success was Kevin’s success.

After gaining several pitches ahead of Kevin, Tommy recognized that his vision to climb the Dawn Wall was no longer his own, but it was now Kevin’s, too. They were bonded. Kevin needed Tommy more now than ever, but Tommy also needed Kevin.

Take a look at how Tommy responded after reaching Pitch 19 called Wino Tower:

[[[Play Clip 1 - 1:18.50 - 1:20.08]]]

Did you hear what Tommy said, “I want Kevin to experience this, too… Suddenly I felt alone. Going to the top without Kevin would be devastating.”

Kevin needed Tommy presence to finish the pitch, so Tommy did what every great mentor does, he went back down the wall, and against the advice of literally everyone on his support team, Tommy committed to support Kevin every step of the way.

After a week of trying and failing and bruising his body on countless falls and catches on the rope, Kevin finally completed Pitch 15 with Tommy right by his side.

Tommy and Kevin reached the summit of the Dawn Wall on Day 19, and for many, their ascent is widely considered the most technically difficult climb on Earth.

The power of Tommy’s mentorship with Kevin defied the gravitational pull of impossibility.

Without a doubt, if Tommy had not risked his own dream and reputation to descend back down the wall, then Kevin would have never reached the summit.

Tommy modeled humble, servant-hearted love to Kevin. By physically and figuratively lowering himself for Kevin and setting aside his own rights and privileges as the more experienced and renowned climber, both men achieved the impossible.

Last week, we learned that cultivating kingdom leadership begins with modeling what you know. Actions speak louder than words. Behaviors follow beliefs. Jesus modeled in John chapters 12-13 that the lower you make yourself, the higher you grow.

Today, we’re taking kingdom leadership to the next level by modeling what you believe through mentorship.

Mentors demonstrate that the lower you make yourself for someone else, the higher we grow.

In John chapters 12-13, Jesus taught, “Those who care nothing for their life in this world [those who make themselves lower than others] will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me. John 12:25-26.

Blessing comes to those who serve the Lord.

This doesn’t mean making yourself a doormat to people, but it does mean lowering your pride and sense of self to allow more of Jesus to grow in you.

Jesus modeled this teaching in John 12 by washing his disciples’ feet in John 13, and said, Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. John 13:12–15.

Now, does this mean washing your boss’ feet? No, I don’t think so. We actually don’t hear of the disciples ever doing this again, but Jesus does mean following his example of humble, servant-hearted love.

People won’t deserve it, but neither did we when Jesus offered to us. He doesn’t tell us to love others who deserve our love. Rather, We love because [Jesus] first loved us. 1 John 4:19

His love is grace, and when it leads the way in us, we’re able to cultivate God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

In John chapters 14-16, Jesus gives his most intimate teachings, known as the Farewell Discourses. Then, in John chapter 17, he offers a prayer for all his followers everywhere and all time.

No other passages in the Gospels so clearly and extensively record Jesus’ mentorship than these 4 chapters in John.

We won’t have time to unpack all 4 of these chapters in this message, so let me encourage you to read them this week to receive all that Jesus taught and prayed for.

Today, I want to lift a few key statements that Jesus made from John chapter 14 that show the heart of the Father’s kingdom and also the qualities both to seek in a mentor and to model as a mentor.

Now, following what Jesus modeled and shared in chapter 13, the disciples felt really troubled. They knew that Jesus was preparing to leave, but they didn’t know where or when. Was he going to die, and if so, then how could he return? Jesus wasn’t clear, and they felt really confused.

Obviously, hindsight is 20/20. We know what eventually happened, but in the moment, the disciples felt deeply unsettled, so like a good mentor, Jesus assured them, saying:

If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going. John 14:3–4.

Whatever happens next, Jesus said, he promised that he wouldn’t forget them, and he wouldn’t abandon them.

These words are often shared at funerals, and they’re fitting. Death reminds us that we can’t see the way forward after this life ends. We’re limited by our finite bodies and understanding. We’re limited by our sin, and we need someone to show us the way through the unknown.

We need a mentor to lead the way.

After Jesus said this, throughout the rest of chapter 14, three disciples - Thomas, also known as doubting Thomas, Philip, and Judas (not Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, but another disciple also named Judas) - each ask Jesus a question to understand what he said in verses 3 and 4.

Jesus’ response to these three questions model 3 key principles of kingdom mentorship.

Thomas asked, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:5–7.

Here, Jesus models the first principle of kingdom mentorship: clarity.

Here, Jesus doesn’t mince words. He provides remarkable clarity about his identity. Mentors offer clarity in direction and remove obstacles to a person’s growth.

Nowadays, modern critics use Jesus’ statement to make him seem exclusive against others, calling his statement the height of personal arrogance, but what did Jesus model in his behaviors and teach in his mentorship to the disciples: humble, servant hearted love.

Jesus offered the clearest direction to the Father for all people. He wants to lose no one. He gave his life for the forgiveness of all sin, for all time, and offers salvation life for every person who places their trust in him, so what if we heard Jesus’ mentorship not as divisive, but as the most clarifying direction to the way home?

Kingdom-building mentors seek to provide clarity by asking good questions to bridge the gap of understanding. Now, this may not always be possible to do in some circumstances.

Wisdom knows when to engage and when to walk away, but wisdom also knows when to give an answer. Sometimes, the most honest answer is to say: “I don’t know. Please allow me to find clarity for you.”

This shows honesty and care. Kingdom mentors offer clarity.

After Thomas, then Philip asked, Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us. John 14:8.

Which would lead me to ask: Philip, where have you been in this conversation? But Jesus doesn’t chastise Philip for his question. Rather, Jesus reframes Philip’s question back to him and says:

Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? John 14:9-10

Here, Jesus models the second principle of mentorship: Discovery.

Good mentors know when to help someone make the connection on their own. Personal discovery creates ownership for greater understanding.

A mentor who blindly answers every question is called a “google search bar,” not a mentor.

Jesus isn’t a google search bar. He doesn’t dispense data based on whatever you input.

Rather, Jesus is the incarnate Son of the living Creator God, so:

“Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. John 14:11

Watch me, Jesus says. Look at the fruit of my labor. Examine what my behaviors model about the Father, for if you want to know the Father, then look at Jesus.

The greatest mentors I know lived their message and invited others to discover the meaning on their own. That’s the difference between a search bar and transformation. In an information age, what we don’t necessarily need is more information. We need transformation, and as a church, we can experience the transformational love and power of Jesus through relationship with fellow discoverers.

Jesus doesn’t want to answer your questions to increase your knowledge. Now, I know that at times, his apparent silence might feel like a rejection or a trick, but what if God’s perceived silence might actually be your opportunity for self-discovery?

A good mentor knows when to speak, but they also when to sit in silence to let you own and feel the joy of discovery! Jesus doesn’t want you to miss the joy of discovering the depths of his infinite love and desire for you.

Mentors who desire to cultivate the kingdom in others offer the opportunity for discovery and transformation.

Which led Jesus to say:

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John‬ ‭14:11-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Now, these words seem impossible to believe and even harder to understand, but they reveal the power of a life restored to the Father from whom all blessings flow, so don’t count yourself out if you feel worn down and tired.

Instead, let me encourage you to raise your expectations. There’s more in you than what you see in yourself.

Kingdom building mentors help others discover the depths of their possibilities and power through humble, servant hearted love.

Last, Judas asked, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?” John 14:22.

Why us, Judas asked. Why not reveal yourself to everybody all at once? Show yourself! Show your glory!

Why only a few? Because Jesus wants to transform you all the way deep, not just save you on the surface.

“Jesus replied, All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. John 14:23.

Jesus wants to take up residence in your heart and cultivate the kingdom in you. Jesus continued:

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26.

Here, Jesus models the third principle of mentorship: empowerment.

As Jesus makes his home in your heart, he invites us to participate in his world changing movement together for two reasons:

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First, true love is a free choice. Jesus didn’t wave a magic wand to save the world at large. Instead, Jesus risks grace and opens himself to rejection because he loves you and loves the whole world.

Second, all good mentors know that beliefs do not become behaviors until they are modeled for someone else. That’s how knowledge takes root and bears fruit.

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Kingdom building mentors empower others to become models and mentors to others.

Hence why Jesus sends us into the world with the power of his Spirit to guide us, providing us with knowledge, as we study his Word together in worship, groups, and in personal devotion, and strengthens us to endure any hardship that we might encounter along the way.

Jesus knew that this way of life, though better, would be tougher, so he said:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14:23-24, 26-27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Good mentors know what to expect because they’ve lived the journey and know how to help others climb over the obstacles.

Good mentors empower. They don’t control. They lead from behind.

My good friend, Genesis, took the step to own her growth and development by joining the production team and discovered the surprising power of mentorship. Take a look:

[[[Genesis story]]] - watch story and find a way out of it

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This week, how might you begin to cultivate the kingdom by following the lead of a wise mentor and making yourself available to give it.

Everyone needs a mentor, and everyone has something to give.

First and foremost, Jesus offers his mentorship to anyone who seeks him through the study of his word and prayerful discernment of his Spirit’s guidance in you.

Don’t take that for granted. This is always our starting point for growth.

Next, no matter what age or stage of life in which you find yourself, consider finding a mentor in each one of the following 3 proximities: Distant, Mid-range, and Personal.

A distant mentor is someone who has competencies in your area of focus, but you probably won’t ever meet them. Distant mentors typically make their knowledge available through books, podcasts, and other mediums.

***List of distant mentors who have guided the pastors in the message notes.

Second, a mid-range mentor is someone who is within your social or geographic vicinity, but you probably won’t know that individual personally. This person might be a leader in your company, a teacher at your school, a civic leader, or one of your pastors here at Christ Journey.

Unlike a distant mentor, a mid-range mentor might be willing to meet on a few occasions to answer questions or provide feedback, but this individual probably won’t be able to make a long-term personal connection.

That’s why everyone needs a personal mentor. This could be a teacher, coach, manager, or pastor, but more than likely, this person is a small group leader.

Very few places in life offer personal mentorship. It’s hard to find and facilitate. It requires a specific type of structure and training that either costs a lot of money or is specific to a particular topic like AA sponsorship or Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Mentorship in a small group setting, however, offers accessibility, quality, effectiveness, and a broad range of growth opportunities in areas such as faith, family, finance, and so much more.

Small groups provide a place to both receive mentorship and offer it. Small group leaders know how to listen, ask good questions, offer clarity, help others discover new insights, and empower those in their care to make themselves lower to grow higher!

We take small groups and serving teams seriously. If you’re not in one, then let us help you find one this summer so that you start the fall off right because we all need someone to help us grow, and we all need a place to lead.

Finding a mentor on your own can be hard, but small groups and serving teams provide an opportunity to meet kingdom mentors and build connection in an authentic and organic way.

If you want to defy gravity, find someone to help you and then find someone to help.

I don’t think Tommy would have ever found a route up the Dawn Wall by himself, but he lowered his pride, sought a partner, taught him the ropes, and together, they did the impossible!

A good mentor doesn’t need to know everything. In fact, a great mentor knows what they don’t know and is willing to grow.

It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, find a mentor, be a mentor. You only need to be a few yards ahead of the person behind you.

Paul wrote to young Pastor Timothy, “Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. 2 Timothy 2:2, NLT

And on and on the message goes because you found someone to help you and then you helped someone else.

The lower you make yourself for someone else, the higher we grow!

So let’s dare to defy gravity by cultivating the kingdom through mentor leadership!

Will you pray with me?