The Principle of Association

Association Defined 

The Principle of Association may be defined by stating that the one who leads a ministry does not only teach and give lessons to those under his ministry, but he becomes close friends with those he teaches as well. He chooses to become associated with them. They do life together. They go places together, share meals with each other, and talk about life. 

Association Modeled in the Life of Jesus 

This Principle of Association is modeled in the life of Jesus and his ministry with the disciples. In Jesus’ ministry he selected the twelve disciples to be his close companions and followers. Jesus became associated with this group of people and they became associated with him. Jesus did life with these twelve young men. He took them with him to different places, such as the area around the Sea of Galilee, to Jerusalem, and even as far north as Caesarea Philippi at one point. Jesus took his disciples with him to participate in his ministry.

Jesus also ate meals with his disciples as well as others. Jesus associated himself with people who were considered the least and the unclean and even gave himself a sort of a bad reputation for doing so. He spent time with tax collectors and prostitutes and he came to be associated with them. The incarnation itself is an example of Jesus’ choice to associate himself with humankind. The Scriptures record that “he took up our diseases and carried our sorrows.” He identified with mankind and became associated with mankind. In Jesus’ friendship with his disciples, he is seen confiding in them. In the Garden of Gethsemane he asks them to stay up and pray with him during his night of sorrow, and he is deeply hurt when they cannot stay awake with him and pray. In John, Jesus calls his disciples “friends.” Jesus is also seen associating with the disciples by visiting them in their own homes. The Gospels record Jesus staying at Peter’s house and healing his mother-in-law while there.