Making Disciples: Sharing Christ

When Jesus commissioned His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, He called them to a greater purpose: to make disciples of all nations. This wasn’t just a task for them—it’s the calling for every Christian. Paul, in his letter to Timothy, emphasizes this responsibility, saying, “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). Making disciples is about multiplication—it’s about passing on the truth of the Gospel so it continues to spread and grow. So let’s explore making disciples!

A symbolic illustration titled 'Love at the Center,' featuring a glowing heart surrounded by icons of kindness, such as helping hands, shared meals, and a dove. — Love at the Center: Let love be the heart of everything we do.

Start with Love

Making disciples begins with love. As Christians, our actions should reflect Christ before we ever speak His name. John Maxwell puts it perfectly: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

It’s through love that hearts are softened, and soil is prepared for the seeds of the Gospel. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39 NLT), “Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.‘” and this love is the foundation of discipleship. Here are practical ways to express Christ’s love:

Serve selflessly: Whether it’s helping a neighbor, volunteering at a local charity, or offering your time to someone in need, service demonstrates love in action.
Be present: Genuine love requires listening and being there for people, especially in their times of need.
Encourage others: Share words of encouragement and build others up in truth and kindness.
Pray for people: Offer to pray for someone and follow through. Prayer is a powerful act of love.
Show forgiveness: Reflect Christ by extending grace and forgiveness to others.

An artistic illustration of 'The Ripple Effect,' showing a droplet hitting a calm pond, creating ripples symbolizing the spreading impact of acts of kindness and faith. — The Ripple Effect: Small acts of love create waves of change.

Plant, Water, and Trust God for the Growth

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow” (NLT).

Our role is to plant and water the seeds of the Gospel. Like the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:1-9, we know that the condition of the soil varies. Some hearts are hardened like the path, others are rocky or thorny, and some are ready to receive the Word like fertile soil. Our job is to continually sow seeds, trusting that in God’s timing, the soil will be ready.

When the seed takes root and someone comes to faith in Christ, that’s when discipleship begins. It’s our privilege and responsibility to help them grow in their walk with the Lord.

An illustration titled 'The Multiplying Effect,' showing a large flourishing tree surrounded by smaller saplings, symbolizing the spread of faith and discipleship under a glowing sunrise. — The Multiplying Effect: One seed of faith can grow into a forest of discipleship.

Multiplication through Discipleship

Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT), “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.” highlight the essence of discipleship—it’s about multiplication. The truths we’ve been entrusted with are not meant to stop with us; they’re meant to be passed on. Discipleship isn’t just about teaching others; it’s about equipping them to disciple others in turn.

Here’s how we can disciple effectively:

Be a mentor: Take someone under your wing and guide them in their faith journey.
Encourage Bible study: Help others grow by pointing them to God’s Word and studying Scripture together.
Model Christlike living: Your actions should reflect the character of Christ. Let others see your faith in action.
Provide resources: Share books, Bible studies, and other tools that can help them grow spiritually.
Pray with and for them: Prayer is essential for their growth and your guidance as a disciple-maker.

A multi-scene illustration showing two women building their relationship: chatting at lunch, having coffee and talking at a desk, studying the Bible in a conference room, and sitting together in a church pew. — From lunch chats to spiritual growth, these women’s journey highlights the power of connection and discipleship.

Practical Love and Consistency in Making Disciples

As you disciple others, remember that it’s not a one-time effort. Discipleship is a relationship—a journey you take with someone. Help them understand how to walk with Christ daily, encourage them to share their faith, and model for them how to live as a disciple.

Jesus said in John 13:35, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (NLT). This love, paired with a commitment to teaching and modeling Christlike behavior, is how we fulfill the Great Commission.

Conclusion to Making Disciples

Discipleship is about multiplication—teaching others the truths of the Gospel and equipping them to pass it on to others. It starts with love, is sustained through consistent planting and watering, and grows as we faithfully obey Christ’s call to make disciples. Let’s be intentional about sharing Christ and walking alongside others as they grow in their faith.

Links to Other Parts of This Series:

Call to Action – Making Disciples

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