Jesus’ Unlikely Strategy To Change The World
What was Jesus’ strategy to change the world?
Do you ever think about that? I find it amazing that He became the most influential person in history after just three years of ministry.
So, how did He do it?
Jesus could have pursued political power to influence the world from the top down. He could have built a successful business, expanding his carpentry practice.
If I were Him, I might have started a mega-synagogue. Preach every night, heal the sick, cast out demons, and draw crowds from all over the world. It would have great worship, a training school, and programs for all ages.
This is actually what many people expected Jesus to do. They anticipated a public, large-scale movement. But instead, Jesus chose something entirely different.
In Mark 3:13–16, we see Jesus’ true strategy unfold: “He went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.”
Rather than focusing on the masses, Jesus focused on twelve ordinary men. His plan to change the world wasn’t built on a massive crowd or a political platform, but on training the twelve.
“His concern was not with programs to reach the multitudes, but with men whom the multitudes would follow.” — Robert Coleman
Surprisingly, this is his strategy: discipleship.
I’m passionate about discipleship because it changed my life. I prayed a prayer when I was younger, but I didn’t truly start following Jesus until someone took the time to disciple me during my freshman year at university.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of discipling many others, and I’ve seen firsthand how it transforms lives. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about being willing to invest in others, to pass on what has been given to you.
What Is Discipleship?
At its core, discipleship is about helping others follow Jesus. A disciple is a follower of Jesus, and discipleship is the process of following Jesus and helping others to do the same.
Jesus said in John 20:21, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” This isn’t just a task for pastors or church leaders. It’s for all of us. You don’t need a seminary degree or special training to make disciples. You just need to share what you’ve learned in your walk with Christ. God qualifies the called; He doesn’t call the qualified.
Practical Steps to Making Disciples
So, how can we live out this call to make disciples? Let’s look at five practical steps, based on Jesus’ example:
- Start with Prayer
Before choosing His disciples, Jesus spent the entire night in prayer (Luke 6:12–13). This is the first step in discipleship — asking God who He wants you to invest in. If you’re faithful to pray, I have found that God will guide you to the right people.
2. Find the Hungry
Jesus called people who were eager to follow Him. His disciples were those who responded to the call and left everything behind in obedience to Him (Matthew 4:18–20, Luke 5:27–28).
When making disciples, focus on those who are hungry for truth and willing to learn, as discipleship flourishes with those ready for growth.
3. Model Kingdom Values
Jesus didn’t just preach sermons; He lived out the values of God’s Kingdom in front of His disciples. Discipleship is less about giving people head knowledge and more about showing them what it looks like to live as a follower of Jesus.
Whether it’s through how you treat others, how you pray, or how you handle life’s challenges, let your life model a commitment to living life on God’s terms.
4. Call Them Higher
Jesus didn’t shy away from calling His disciples to a higher standard. Discipleship involves challenging others to grow, mature, and pursue God’s calling on their lives.
This also includes giving them increasing levels of responsibility. Jesus entrusted His disciples with ministry long before they were “ready” in the worldly sense. He sent them out to heal the sick and preach the Gospel (Luke 9:1–2).
Similarly, as you disciple others, give them opportunities to lead, serve, and minister.
5. Send Them Out
The ultimate goal of discipleship is not to create dependence but to equip and send out disciples who can make more disciples. This is the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18–20).
Jesus’ plan was never for His disciples to stay with Him forever in the physical sense, but for them to be sent out to continue the mission.
Jesus’ unlikely strategy to change the world was discipleship — investing in a few and equipping them to do the same. As His followers, we’re called to continue this work by praying, finding the hungry, modeling Kingdom values, calling people higher, and sending them out.
You don’t have to be perfect; just willing to pass on what you’ve received. In doing so, you’ll join the movement Jesus started to transform the world — one life at a time.
What’s your next step?
