The Key to Making Disciples

The Key to Making Disciples
"Teach them to obey
everything I have commanded you?"
- Matthew 28:20

Teach them to obey?
Everything Jesus commanded?

For many of us,
this is the part of the Great Commission
that feels out of reach.

Most of us aren't experts,
aren't mature enough,
and don't know enough Scripture.

We don't feel ready
to disciple anyone.

I remember feeling that way
when I became a follower of Jesus
at the University of Texas.

I was passionate,
but immature.
I lacked Bible knowledge.
I hadn't worked through all my issues-
and I still haven't.

That reality hit me hard
the first time I read Paul's words:
"Follow me as I follow Christ."
(1 Cor 11:1)

So when people talked about "discipling,"
I felt inadequate.
There were parts of my life
I didn't want anyone to imitate.

But if discipleship is imitation,
then my life needed to be moving
in a direction
I'd be willing for others to follow.

And that's the beauty of following Jesus:
His example polishes our dull spots.

Jesus was perfect
and never sinned,
but He was also human.
And He wasn't afraid to be vulnerable
in front of the people He led.

He wasn't distant or untouchable.
He wept at Lazarus' grave.
He cried out in Gethsemane.
He showed real human emotion-
and true humility.

We see that in the Upper Room,
where He didn't use His position
to stay above them-
He laid it aside.

He knelt.
He touched what they tried to hide.
He washed the dirt
they wished He wouldn't see.

"For I have given you an example,
that you also should do
just as I have done to you."
- John 13:15

He wasn't asking them
to copy the act,
but to imitate the heart-
a humility that lays aside privilege,
a posture that lifts others up,
a willingness to be seen.

People aren't drawn to perfection.
They're drawn to growth.
To honesty.
To someone taking real steps forward
in front of them.
Because that's something
everyone can do.

The truth is if you can follow Jesus,
you can disciple.
If you can grow,
you can lead others into growth.

You may not know this about Jesus:
He builds His Kingdom
through imperfect people
who are willing to grow
in front of others.