Discipleship lies at the very heart of Christian living. In its purest form, it reflects a lifelong journey of following Jesus, becoming like Him, and helping others do the same. Discipleship is not merely about learning doctrines or adhering to religious practices but about transformation—a spiritual process where believers are shaped into the image of Christ. The ultimate goal of discipleship is spiritual maturity and multiplication: growing into the likeness of Christ and leading others to do the same (Ephesians 4:13-15).
Jesus, the Master Teacher, provided not only the content but also the method of discipleship. His model was deeply relational, intensely practical, and profoundly spiritual. This paper will explore the spiritual goal of discipleship, analyze how Jesus demonstrated His discipleship program in the Gospels, and present a four-step progression in His method, which can serve as a framework for contemporary discipleship.
The Goal of Discipleship
The ultimate goal of discipleship is not mere information but transformation. The aim is to become a follower of Christ who lives like Him, thinks like Him, and loves like Him. In John 15:8, Jesus declares, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Fruit-bearing, in this context, refers to a life transformed by the Holy Spirit—marked by love, obedience, wisdom, and the making of other disciples.
From a spiritual perspective, discipleship involves:
- Union with Christ – abiding in Him as branches to a vine (John 15:5)
- Imitation of Christ – being conformed to His image (Romans 8:29)
- Participation in His mission – making disciples.today of all nations (Matthew 28:19-
20)
True discipleship produces spiritual depth, character, humility, and service, culminating in a multiplying life, one who makes other disciples. It is not only about becoming a disciple but also about becoming a disciple-maker.
Jesus’ Model of Discipleship
Jesus’ method of discipleship was intentional, relational, and progressive. He did not deliver a seminar on spiritual leadership and then sent His disciples off. Rather, he walked with them, lived with them, taught them, and corrected them—offering a model that was observable, repeatable, and spiritual in nature.
The Gospels reveal a clear strategy in Jesus’ ministry that moved the disciples from observation to participation to multiplication. This process can be understood in four phases:
Phase 1: “I Do – You Watch”
At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, the disciples followed Him primarily as observers. They watched Him preach, heal, cast out demons, and demonstrate authority (Mark 1:21-34). During this stage, Jesus modeled what it meant to live in obedience to the Father, depend on the Holy Spirit, and minister to people with love and truth.
This phase was essential for establishing credibility, trust, and vision. Before the disciples could teach others, they needed to see firsthand what a life of ministry and spiritual power looked like. Jesus didn’t just tell them what to do, He showed them, forming the foundation for their future calling.
Phase 2: “I Do – You Help”
As the disciples grew in understanding and faith, Jesus began to include them in His work. For instance, in the feeding of the 5,000 (Mark 6:30-44), Jesus blessed the food, but the disciples distributed it. In Luke 9:1-6, Jesus gave them authority to preach, heal, and drive out demons, sending them out in pairs.
This phase represents the training stage, where disciples assist and participate, but still under the guidance and leadership of the teacher. It highlights the role of mentoring and partnership. Jesus continued to be the primary actor, but the disciples now had hands-on experience.
Phase 3: “You Do – I Help”
Eventually, Jesus took a more supportive role, allowing the disciples to lead while He observed and provided guidance. In Luke 10:1-20, Jesus sent out seventy-two disciples ahead of Him. They returned with joy, having experienced spiritual victory and power.
At this stage, Jesus was preparing them for independent ministry. He asked them questions, debriefed their experiences, and corrected their motives (Luke 10:17-20). This stage fostered confidence and ownership, while still maintaining connection to their spiritual source, Jesus Himself.
Phase 4: “You Do – I Watch”
After His resurrection, Jesus gave the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), launching the disciples into full responsibility: “Go and make disciples of all nations…This final phase marks a turning point, from learners to leaders. Jesus had completed His earthly work; now the disciples were to carry it forward with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).
Jesus did not abandon them. He promised His presence (“I am with you always”), but He entrusted them with the mission. This phase is the goal of discipleship: reproduction, making disciples.today who make disciples.
The Spiritual Core of Jesus’ Method
Throughout each phase, Jesus’ discipleship program remained deeply spiritual. He emphasized prayer (Luke 11:1-4), dependence on the Holy Spirit (John 14:26),
servanthood (John 13:1-17), and obedience to the Father (John 5:19). His goal was not simply to train leaders but to shape spiritual sons and daughters who bore His character and continued His mission.
He did not select perfect men, but faithful ones. Peter denied Him, Thomas doubted Him, and James and John sought power. Yet through relational investment and spiritual formation, Jesus turned ordinary men into world-changers (Acts 17:6).
Modern Application of Jesus’ Model
Today, churches and Christian leaders can draw immense wisdom from Jesus’ discipleship strategy. Discipleships should not be rushed or reduced to curriculum
alone. It must be relational, progressive, and mission driven. The Church is not merely a classroom but a training ground for ministry.
Christians today are called not only to learn about Jesus but also to live like Him and lead others into relationship with Him. By replicating Jesus’ four-step model, modeling, assisting, releasing, and empowering, we can build a culture of discipleship that fulfills the Great Commission.
Conclusion
Jesus’ model of discipleship is both timeless and transformative. Its goal is not only personal holiness but global multiplication disciples who become disciple-makers. Through a simple but powerful progression “I do, you watch → I do, you help → You do, I help → You do, I watch” Jesus equipped His followers to continue His work long after His ascension.
The Church today must reclaim this spiritual model: one that emphasizes Christ-likeness, spiritual growth, community, and mission. In doing so, we walk in the very
footsteps of the Master, fulfilling His calling and bearing much fruit for the Kingdom of God.