The Master Plan of Evangelism

1. Jesus' Strategy: Focus on Selecting and Training a Few Leaders

Men were to be his method of winning the world to God.

Strategic selection. Jesus' evangelistic strategy began not with mass campaigns, but with the deliberate selection of a few ordinary men. He understood that to impact the multitudes, he needed dedicated leaders who could guide them. This initial focus on a small, teachable group, rather than the immediate conversion of large crowds, was foundational to his long-term plan.

Potential over prestige. The chosen men were not prominent religious figures or wealthy scholars; they were common laborers—impulsive, temperamental, and often slow to grasp spiritual truths. Yet, Jesus saw in them the potential for leadership, recognizing their sincere yearning for God and willingness to learn. This highlights that teachability and a devoted heart are more crucial than worldly qualifications for Kingdom work.

Concentrated effort. As his followers grew, Jesus narrowed his focus to the Twelve, and even within that group, to an inner circle of three (Peter, James, and John). This concentration allowed for intensive, personal training, ensuring these key individuals deeply understood his purpose. While he ministered to the masses, his primary investment of time and energy was in these few, believing that their faithfulness would ultimately reach the world.

2. The Power of Presence: Discipleship Through Constant Association

He was his own school and curriculum.

Informal immersion. Jesus' training method was remarkably simple: he stayed with his disciples. He had no formal school or structured curriculum; instead, he taught by drawing them close to himself, allowing them to learn through constant observation and shared life. This intimate fellowship enabled them to grasp the "mysteries of the kingdom of God" not just intellectually, but experientially.

Living example. The disciples learned by being present as Jesus interacted with everyone—multitudes, scribes, or individuals. They observed his compassion, power, and wisdom in real-time situations, gaining insights into his nature and work. This continuous, informal learning meant that Jesus' time was always paying double dividends, ministering to others while simultaneously training his chosen few.

Foundation of follow-up. This principle of personal association is the bedrock of effective follow-up and leadership development. Jesus invested more time with his disciples than with everyone else combined, eating, sleeping, talking, praying, and traveling with them. He knew that true transformation and the ability to lead others required this deep, sustained personal connection, a lesson often overlooked in modern evangelism.

3. The Cost of Following: Demanding Absolute Consecration and Obedience

No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God.

Uncompromising commitment. Jesus expected absolute obedience from his disciples, not just intellectual assent. Following him meant a complete surrender of one's entire life, forsaking sin, old habits, and worldly pleasures to conform to the disciplines of God's Kingdom. This radical call to self-denial and carrying one's cross often caused many to turn back, but Jesus did not compromise his standards for the sake of numbers.

Counting the cost. Jesus made it clear that discipleship was not easy, warning potential followers to "count the cost" before committing. He challenged those who sought to follow on their own terms, emphasizing that loyalty to him must supersede all other allegiances, even family. This rigorous demand ensured that those who remained were truly dedicated, forming a core of committed leaders.

Obedience as learning. Despite their human failings and slow comprehension, Jesus patiently endured his disciples' shortcomings because they were willing to obey. Their continued commitment, even when they didn't fully understand, was the pathway to deeper truth and spiritual maturity. Jesus demonstrated this absolute obedience in his own life, culminating in the cross, showing that true love expresses itself in unwavering submission to God's will.

4. The Spirit's Empowerment: Imparting Divine Love and Power

Receive ye the Holy Spirit.

Giving himself away. Jesus' life was a continuous act of giving, motivated by God's infinite love for a lost world. He imparted his peace, joy, glory, and ultimately his life, demonstrating that true love is always self-giving. This selfless devotion, culminating in the cross, was the ultimate expression of God's redemptive purpose, a lesson he deeply impressed upon his followers.

Compulsion of evangelism. Jesus' sanctification—his continuous commitment to God's purpose—was "for their sakes," so his disciples would embrace a similar dedication to evangelism. This selfless love, demonstrated through their lives, was to be the compelling credential of their ministry and the means by which the world would recognize the truth of the gospel. It was the internal fire that fueled their mission.

Supernatural enablement. Jesus made it clear that this profound experience of Christ's life and love could only be mediated through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit regenerates, sustains, nourishes, and empowers believers for service, convicting the world and illuminating truth. Jesus promised "another Comforter" who would take his place, guiding, teaching, and enabling them to do even "greater works" through divine power, making evangelism a supernatural undertaking.

5. Leading by Example: Demonstrating the Way to Live and Serve

I have given you an example.

Practical living. Jesus ensured his disciples learned his way of living with God and man, recognizing that spiritual communion needed to be maintained and shared through practical actions. He deliberately demonstrated the "secrets of his spiritual influence," showing them how to live out their faith, not just telling them.

Disciplines in action. Key aspects of Jesus' personal discipline were vividly portrayed:

• Prayer life: He often let them see him conversing with the Father, inspiring them to ask for teaching on prayer. He then provided a model prayer and continuously emphasized its importance.
• Scripture use: He consistently used and explained the Holy Scriptures, demonstrating their authority and relevance for personal devotion and evangelism.
• Soul winning: Every word and deed had relevance to evangelism, teaching them naturally how to approach people, win confidence, and call for decision.

Teaching naturally. Jesus was a master teacher whose method never obscured his message. He taught by living evangelism before them, making his lessons realistic and practical. His "training classes" were never dismissed; disciples learned by observing him in all situations, from addressing multitudes to private conversations, and he patiently explained anything they didn't understand.

6. Empowering Action: Delegating Work and Responsibility

I will make you fishers of men.

Progressive delegation. Jesus consistently built his ministry with the future in mind, gradually preparing his disciples to take over his work. While he initially encouraged their spontaneous witnessing, he patiently waited until they had observed enough to begin active ministry. He then formally "sent them forth" to preach and heal, pushing them to apply what they had learned.

Clear instructions. Before sending them out, Jesus provided specific briefing instructions:

• Purpose: Preach the Kingdom of God and heal the sick, with immediate urgency.
• Audience: Start with the "lost sheep of the house of Israel," focusing on the most receptive.
• Support: Trust God for provisions, traveling lightly without excess baggage.
• Method: Find a "worthy" person in each town to establish a base for follow-up, prioritizing deep connections over superficial engagement.

Expectation of hardship. Jesus realistically warned his disciples of the opposition they would face, reminding them that "a disciple is not above his master." They would be hated, persecuted, and even brought before authorities, but the Holy Spirit would empower them. He also emphasized the divisive nature of the gospel, which would challenge complacency and demand radical commitment, even within families.

7. Continuous Growth: Providing Supervision and Guidance

Do ye not yet perceive?

Post-service review. Jesus made it a practice to meet with his disciples after their tours of service to hear their reports and provide further instruction. These check-in sessions were crucial for their development, allowing him to review their experiences, celebrate successes, and address failures or misunderstandings. This continuous cycle of instruction and assignment was central to his training.

Learning from experience. Jesus used the disciples' real-world experiences as teaching moments. For example, after their failure to heal a demon-possessed boy, he used the incident to teach them about faith, prayer, and fasting. Similarly, he recalled their role in feeding the multitudes to deepen their understanding of his power and spiritual discernment, correcting their unbelief.

Patient correction. Jesus patiently corrected his disciples' faulty attitudes, such as their desire to call down fire on Samaritans or their indignation towards those outside their immediate circle. He guided them towards patience, humility, and a broader understanding of God's love for all people. This ongoing supervision ensured they stayed focused on the ultimate goal of world conquest, continually growing in grace and knowledge.

8. Multiplying Impact: Expecting Spiritual Reproduction

Go and bring forth fruit.

The ultimate goal. Jesus' entire ministry was designed for his disciples to reproduce his likeness and ministry through the church. He envisioned a spiritual multiplication where his Spirit and method would be duplicated many times over, expanding until the gospel reached every creature. This strategy made world conquest a matter of time and the disciples' faithfulness.

Victory through witnessing. Jesus' confidence in future victory was rooted in his disciples' affirmation of him as "the Christ, the Son of the living God." He declared that upon this indestructible truth, his church would be built, triumphing over all the powers of hell. The direct link between bearing witness to Christ and ultimate victory was the climactic genius of his evangelistic strategy.

The Great Commission. The Great Commission explicitly commanded disciples to "make disciples of all the nations," not merely to preach or baptize. This meant building people who would not only follow Christ but also lead others to him and teach them to make disciples in turn. The true measure of evangelism's success lies in its continuation through subsequent generations, ensuring that the work expands and endures.

Last updated: September 18, 2025