The Jesus Model of Discipleship is
Intentional, Relational, Educational & Missional
Jesus' ministry was characterized by an intentional approach, the formation of close relationships with his followers, teaching through his words and actions, and empowering his disciples to continue his mission after his departure. These four elements form the basis of Jesus' model of discipleship, which remains an influential model for Christian discipleship
Intentional
Jesus' earthly ministry is often studied and admired not only for its theological implications but also for its strategic and intentional approach to discipleship. Discipleship, the process of mentoring and guiding followers to grow in their faith and emulate their teacher, was central to Jesus' mission. His methods, as recorded in the Gospels, provide a blueprint for effective discipleship that has been studied and emulated by Christian leaders throughout history. Dallas Willard, a renowned Christian philosopher, also underscores the importance of intentional discipleship. In his book, The Divine Conspiracy, he writes, "The greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heartbreaking needs, is whether those who, by profession or culture, are identified as 'Christians' will become disciples—students, apprentices, practitioners—of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to live the life of the Kingdom of the Heavens into every corner of human existence." One of the first indicators of Jesus' intentional approach to discipleship is His deliberate selection of disciples. Jesus did not choose His followers randomly; He spent a night in prayer before selecting the twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-13). This careful selection process underscores the importance of choosing individuals who were not only willing but also capable of embracing and spreading His teachings. Moreover, Jesus modeled the intentional behavior He expected from His disciples. He demonstrated love, compassion, humility, and service. In John 13:14-15, Jesus washes the feet of His disciples, saying, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." This act of humility and service was a powerful lesson in intentional discipleship.
Relational
Another important aspect of Jesus' model of discipleship was the formation of close relationships with his followers. Jesus spent significant amounts of time with his disciples, eating with them, traveling with them, and engaging in conversation with them. This intimacy allowed Jesus to teach his disciples not only through words, but also through his example. His followers could observe the way he treated others, the way he responded to difficult situations, and the way he embodied the values of the Kingdom of God. Furthermore, Jesus encouraged his disciples to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with him, creating a sense of intimacy and trust. In John 15:15, Jesus says to his disciples, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." This statement reveals the depth of relationship that Jesus desired with his followers - not just one of teacher and student, but one of mutual friendship. The relational aspect of Jesus' model of discipleship is also evident in that Jesus treated his followers as people and not projects. Knowing that God created all mankind with the ability to make choices, Jesus did not force himself on anyone. He compelled people to follow Him and through acts of kindness, showing forgiveness and serving others. When people are treated like projects the focus is often on the results instead of the value of the God created individual. Transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit. Discipleship just creates environments where He can work.
Educational
In terms of teaching, Jesus used a variety of methods to impart his message. He frequently spoke in parables, which were stories that conveyed deeper spiritual truths. These stories were accessible to all, regardless of their level of education or social status, and allowed Jesus to communicate complex concepts in a way that was easy to understand. In addition to parables, Jesus engaged in direct instruction, answering questions and explaining concepts to his disciples. For example, in Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus is asked which commandment is the greatest, and he responds by saying, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." This direct teaching allowed Jesus to convey his message in a clear and concise way.
Missional
Finally, Jesus empowered his disciples to carry on his mission after his departure. He gave them authority to heal the sick and cast out demons, and he charged them with spreading the message of the kingdom of God to others. This empowerment gave his followers a sense of purpose and responsibility, as well as a deeper understanding of their own abilities and potential.
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commissions his disciples, saying, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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." This commissioning shows Jesus' desire for his followers to continue his work and spread his message throughout the world.
Overall, Jesus' model of discipleship was based on being intentional, relational, educational, and missional, and it remains an influential model for Christian discipleship today. Through his intimate relationships with his followers, Jesus was able to teach and model the values of the kingdom of God. Through his teaching, he conveyed complex spiritual concepts in a way that was accessible to all. And through his empowerment, he gave his followers a sense of purpose and responsibility, and charged them with carrying on his mission in the world.
The Jesus Model Values
Relational Before Educational
Jesus' ministry wasn't a mere lecture series. It was a revolutionary movement built on love, connection, and a deep investment in the lives of his followers. This core principle, "Relational Before Educational," stands as a cornerstone for Christian leadership and discipleship. Before imparting the profound truths of the Kingdom of God, Jesus prioritized building deep, intimate relationships with his disciples. C.S. Lewis famously wrote, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Jesus embodied this truth. He spent significant time with his disciples, not just in synagogues or during formal teachings, but also in everyday life. He demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect with them on a personal level. As disciple-makers we must follow His example. People want to know who we are before they are willing to hear what we have to say.
Growth Through Grace
While spiritual growth is the goal, grace is the vehicle. Jesus consistently showed grace to those who needed to grow. Consider the woman caught in adultery. Her guilt and her need for spiritual growth was not in question. It was Jesus' response that the pharisee wanted to see. What they saw was Jesus' capacity to extend grace, not condemnation. Consider also the woman at the at the Well. She needed spiritual growth in race relations, real worship and biblical marriage. But before she got any of that, she received grace and acceptance.
The Few Over The Many
In the parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus makes it clear that He place more value on rescuing the one lost person over attending to the wants and needs of the many who are not lost. The gospels regularly record times when a crowd is drawn to Jesus and after addressing the crowds, Jesus breaks away from the crowds to focus on teaching the few. We see this in Mark 4. Here Jesus teaches the Parable of the Sower to the crowds and then in verse 10 when Jesus was together with just Him and His Disciples, Jesus provided a deeper understanding of the parable. In Mark 5, Jesus once again breaks away from the crowd to meet the needs of a man named Jarius. While on His way to Jarius's house, Jesus turned his attention from the crowd to a single woman in need.
People Not Projects
Jesus viewed His disciples as people, not projects. People have free will and can make their own decisions. They may choose to engage at different levels of commitment and submission. As a result the discipleship journey can be messy and take time. A disciple maker who views people as projects might think they are in control and are responsible for producing results. Only God is in control and only the Holy Spirit can bring about authentic transformation.
5 Elements of True Discipleship
True discipleship starts with the Call. The Call is made by the disciple-maker. He or she is the initiator in the relationship. The Call must also be CLEAR and COMPELLING. When Jesus called His disciples, he called them to become "fishers of men". This call was clear. The disciples understood what it meant to be a fisherman because that is who they were, and what they did. When Jesus called them to become fishers OF men, the disciples realized that this was a higher calling. A calling that raised the bar, raised the stakes and raised the significance of their lives. It was a compelling call to a higher purpose and required a higher level of commitment. But in their minds, it was worth it. They left their boats, their nets and their livelihood, and they followed Jesus.
True discipleship requires commitment. The commitment is made by the disciple. He or she is the responder in the relationship. Commitments should not be taken lightly. A person should think carefully before making
a commitment. Jesus advised those who responded to his call to "count the cost". In Luke 14:33 Jesus states very plainly, "In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything, you cannot be my disciples". Why did He require such a strong
commitment? Because He knew that the eternal lives of all mankind for all eternity was at stake. Jesus' disciples counted the cost, they made the commitment and most them died a martyrs' death. But....
You are reading this today because they did.
True discipleship is collaboration. The collaboration happens between both the disciple-maker and the disciple. Both have responsibilities in the discipleship experience. The disciple-maker needs to learn the talents and the temperaments of the disciple and the disciple needs to learn the skills, abilities and values of the disciple-maker. This takes time and you won't learn it in a class. For the next 3 1/2 years Jesus and his disciples collaborated in ministry. Jesus didn't put them through a course. There was no class. There was only life. They walked together. They talked together. They ate, laughed and cried together. And all the while Jesus revealed the secrets of the Kingdom of God. The word "collaboration" says it best. True discipleship is a ton-of-co-labor!
The fruit of true discipleship is a sweet communion. It happens in the hearts and minds both the disciple-maker and the disciple. It's the realization that we worked hard and we accomplished something worthwhile. There were probably times when we argued, and fought, and probably wanted to give up, but we didn't. We remained faithful to our calling and our names can be added to the Hebrews 11 "List of the Faithful". That is communion. It's when there is a high level of trust in the relationship. Although, for Jesus and His disciples it didn't end with the communion of the last supper. There was still a betrayal, a denial, a trial and a painful crucifixion. At the time, the disciples didn't fully realize it, but the best part of the true discipleship experience was yet to come.
The Commission is probably the most crucial part of true discipleship. It happens when a disciple becomes a disciple-maker and the newly made disciple-maker is given the mission to "Go and make disciples". Without this element the previous elements are more akin to mentoring than true discipleship. Scripture records the moment when Jesus commissioned his disciples in Matthew 28:19-20. So significant of an event was this that it is commonly referred to as "The Great Commission."
Guiding Principles of The Jesus Model
During his time on earth, Jesus lived out a model for making disciples. The DiscipleTracker system is built on guiding principles based on how Jesus discipled his followers. To learn more about each guiding principle, click on the images below.
Awarding Milestone Markers
Real Discipleship includes affirmation, encouragement and appreciation. Jesus affirmed his disciples by giving them authority and praising their faith. The simple act of encouragement when a milestone is reached, is one way a disciple maker can affirm the people they are discipling.
