Jesus’s Call to Make Disciples
by Amey Edens
Do you remember the moment you first came to Christ—and the person who walked beside you as you began to grow in your relationship with Him? For me, it was 26 years ago. A coworker named Wanda shared her faith with me daily—not just with words, but through her actions, her attitude, and her unwavering love for people. She prayed for me, encouraged me, and never stopped pointing me to Jesus. Long before I recognized God’s hand on my life, she did. She planted the seed, watered it faithfully, and patiently waited as God gave the growth. I didn’t realize it at the time, but she was discipling me—loving me like a true sister in Christ.
Just last year, I visited Wanda in the assisted living facility where she resided. We spent the afternoon catching up, and I was finally able to thank her—for her prayers, her wisdom, and for showing me what it looks like to live like Jesus. I told her how God was using my life now, not only because of my own obedience but because of hers. Wanda took the Great Commission seriously—the final command Jesus gave in Matthew 28:18–20: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Wanda lived that out in a powerful and faithful way.
To live like Jesus is to invest in people, lead them toward God, and equip them to do the same for others. Jesus didn’t just talk about making disciples, He lived it. If we want to follow Him, we must do the same. Here are seven ways Jesus showed us how to live as disciple-makers:
Jesus Lived with Purpose
From the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus knew exactly what He came to do. In Luke 19:10, Jesus shared his mission, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” His focus wasn’t on building structures but on building people. Each encounter, each teaching moment, each act of compassion had eternal intent. If we want to live like Jesus, we must wake up each day with kingdom purpose. Ask God, “Who can I bless today? Who can I serve, teach, or encourage?” Purposeful living turns the ordinary into the eternal.
Jesus Was Relational
Disciple-making always begins with relationships. Jesus called twelve men to be with Him—not just to listen to Him teach, but to walk with Him, eat with Him, laugh, cry, and serve together. He lived authentically with them. Discipleship happens when we open our lives to others, when we sit around the table, share stories, and point people to Jesus through our everyday interactions.
Jesus Taught the Truth with Authority and Clarity
In John 8:31-32 Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Truth transforms lives, therefore we should never be afraid to teach it clearly, compassionately, and with conviction. Matthew 7:28-29 says, “...the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority and not as their teachers of the law.” He didn’t soften the truth; He spoke it boldly and lovingly. He called people to repentance and holiness, always grounding His words in the heart of the Father. As disciple-makers today, we must remain faithful to God’s word.
Jesus Modeled Servanthood
One of the most powerful moments in Jesus’ ministry came at the Last Supper when He stooped to wash His disciples’ feet in John 13. This was a task reserved for servants, not a Rabbi or King. Yet, Jesus told them, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you,” John 13:15. Discipleship is not status or position—it’s about humility and love. When we serve others, we reflect the very heart of Jesus and invite others to follow Him.
Jesus Was Patient
The disciples were far from perfect. They questioned, doubted, argued, and even failed Him. Yet, Jesus never gave up on them. John 21:15–17 is proof of this. Jesus restored Peter after his denial and continued to walk with them in grace and truth. Wanda modeled that same patience with me, and I thank God for it. Discipleship takes time. People stumble and grow slowly—but our role is to love them through it all as you hold them accountable, just like Jesus does with us.
Making Disciples Is for Every Believer
The Great Commission isn’t reserved for pastors or ministry leaders. It’s for every believer. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul tells Timothy to pass on what he’s learned to faithful people who will teach others. That’s how the gospel multiplies—through ordinary people obeying an extraordinary call.
Living Like Jesus Means Dying to Self
This may be the most challenging part. In Luke 9:23, Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” True discipleship costs us something—our time, our comfort, our preferences. But the reward is eternal. It’s worth it. When we lay down our lives so that others might find life in Christ, we reflect the very essence of the gospel.
So, where do you begin? Pray and ask God to show you someone you can invest in. Be intentional by inviting them into your life. Open Scripture together and walk side-by-side through the journey of faith. Model Jesus in both grace and truth. Serve with humility and love. And then encourage them to do the same with someone else. That’s how the Kingdom grows, one disciple at a time.
In Matthew 4:19, Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” He didn’t say we had to figure it all out. He simply asked us to follow Him—and promised that He would do the work of shaping us into disciple-makers. Let’s take Him at His word.
On April 12, 2025, when Wanda Peters went home to be with the Lord, I have no doubt that she heard the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Wanda lived her life with eternity in mind. Her obituary and her celebration of life were testimonies to her deep faith, her obedience, and the many people she discipled along the way. I write this in her honor, as a thank you for her faithfulness to the Lord and for sharing the Living Word with me. I’ve been made new because someone cared enough to share Jesus with me. Now, I too am a disciple-maker.
Join me in answering the call of LIVING LIKE JESUS, GOING OUT AND MAKING DISCIPLES!
