We Lead as Jesus Did

As a follower of Jesus, it is imperative to not only follow the teachings and principles found in scripture, but to also lead others into a relationship with Jesus.  Following Jesus is often the focus, and can become the lethargy many Christians find themselves in. By being a follower of Christ and a leader of Christ’s people, each Christian fulfills the mandate given by Jesus to “go and make disciples”. (Matthew 28:19, ESV)
According to Pamela Dilmore (2014), the command given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19 is a mandate focused on “being a disciple and making disciples”, which includes both learning and teaching. (p. 30) It is this learning and teaching that creates two sides of the same coin of following Jesus.  It is not possible to truly fulfill one side of the coin without the other being observed and practiced.  In order for a true follower of Jesus to fulfill this Great Commission, the follower is to know Jesus’ teachings, principles, and directives and then to live them out in every day life situations.  It is not the liberty of an individual Christian to pick and choose the elements of Jesus’ life to follow and which to discard, but rather in full submission to follow Jesus’ example.  According to Klaus Issler (2010), “The biblical evidence is fairly clear that Jesus, particularly in his earthly life, is an example for us.” (p. 161)
So, if Jesus is the example for Christians to follow, then it would be reasonable to accept followership in his example as a leader and discipleship maker.  The act of making disciples, influencing others, is the core of Jesus’ mandate to all Christians to lead.  Fulfilling the Great Commission is a matter of both following and leading effectively.
References
Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English Standard Version (ESV text ed.). Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles.
Dilmore, P. (2014). Being and making disciples of Jesus Christ. Living Pulpit (Online), 23(1).
Issler, K. (2010). Learning from Jesus to Live in the Manner Jesus Would If He Were I: Biblical Grounding for Willard’s Proposal Regarding Jesus’ Humanity. Journal of Spiritual Formation & Soul Care, 3(2), 155–180.