Jesus didn’t rely on crowds or events to spread His message—He relied on people. His strategy for multiplication was simple but powerful: train a few, send them out, and let them do the same. By empowering others instead of doing everything Himself, Jesus created a ripple effect that turned a small group into a global movement. Whether it was sending the 12 or the 72, His approach was always focused on equipping others to carry the mission forward.
This model still works today. If you want to make a lasting impact, the key isn’t doing more—it’s sending more. When you invest in others, give them responsibility, and release them to lead, you’re multiplying—not just adding. Keep reading for a deeper dive into how Jesus did it, why it works, and how you can follow His lead starting today.
When we think of multiplying impact, influence, or followers, we often picture big events, viral moments, or massive crowds. But Jesus had a different model—one that didn’t rely on popularity or spectacle.
His strategy? Sending others.
He chose a few, equipped them, and then sent them out. It’s simple. It’s scalable. And it’s powerful.
Let’s break down exactly how Jesus used the power of sending to multiply His mission—and what that means for you today.
1. Jesus Didn’t Try to Do Everything Himself
It’s easy to forget this, but Jesus didn’t preach in every town Himself. He didn’t heal every person. He didn’t even baptize people personally (see John 4:2).
Instead, from the very beginning, He brought others into the mission.
Mark 3:14 says:
“He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach…”
That’s the key: with Him and then sent by Him.
His plan was always to train others and then release them to carry the message forward.
2. Jesus Sent the 12… Then the 72
Many people know about the 12 disciples. But not everyone realizes Jesus later sent out 72 more.
Luke 10:1 tells us:
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.”
This is where His strategy of multiplication kicks in. Instead of doing all the work Himself, He empowered others to go in His name.
Why did He send them before He arrived?
Simple: preparation and partnership.
He wanted people in those towns to start hearing, seeing, and experiencing His Kingdom even before He walked in.
3. Why Sending Works: 5 Key Benefits
Jesus didn’t just send people for convenience. There are practical reasons this method works—and still works today.
1. Scalability
One person can only do so much. But 12 or 72 or 1,000? That’s unstoppable.
2. Ownership
When people are sent, they take ownership. They’re not just watching; they’re working. And that transforms followers into leaders.
3. Training
Being sent pushes people to grow. They rely on God, learn in the field, and develop skills they’d never get just by observing.
4. Local Impact
Jesus didn’t start megachurches. He reached people where they lived. Sending others spreads influence organically.
5. Reproduction
When people are sent and then send others in turn, it creates a movement—not a personality cult.
This is how Christianity spread across the globe—not because everyone flocked to one place, but because people were sent out from every place.
4. The “Go” Commission, Not the “Stay” Commission
One of Jesus’ final commands is often called “The Great Commission.” And it’s all about going.
Matthew 28:19–20:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Notice the words: go and make and teach.
Not: sit, wait, or watch.
Jesus didn’t say, “Invite everyone to your synagogue.” He said, “Go to them.”
That means the Church was never meant to be stationary. It’s supposed to move. To multiply. To send.
5. Real Discipleship = Releasing, Not Just Retaining
If your goal is to grow people spiritually, you can’t just keep them sitting in rows, listening to sermons forever. That’s not how Jesus discipled.
He showed, trained, sent, and then followed up.
Think about His rhythm:
- Teach (Sermon on the Mount, parables)
- Model (healing, feeding thousands, casting out demons)
- Empower (“You give them something to eat” – Luke 9:13)
- Send (Luke 9:1–2; Luke 10:1)
- Debrief (“They returned with joy…” – Luke 10:17)
Discipleship isn’t complete until people are doing what Jesus did—and helping others do it too.
6. Sending Is Risky—And That’s the Point
Let’s be honest: sending others means giving up control. They might mess up. They might not do things the way you would.
But Jesus sent people anyway.
He even sent Judas.
Matthew 10:5:
“These twelve Jesus sent out…”
Yes, including the one who would later betray Him.
Sending requires trust. It requires letting go.
But that’s how growth happens—by releasing, not restricting.
7. How You Can Start Multiplying Today
You don’t need a title or a big platform to follow Jesus’ strategy. You just need to start sending and investing.
Here’s how:
- Invest in a few – You don’t need a crowd. Start with 2–3 people you can disciple.
- Model the mission – Show them how to pray, serve, share, and love others.
- Equip them with truth – Teach Scripture, but also help them apply it in real life.
- Send them to try – Let them lead a group, share their testimony, pray for someone, or serve on their own.
- Debrief and encourage – Talk about what went well and what didn’t. Keep the door open for growth.
This is what Jesus did. And if you’re following Him, it’s what He’s calling you to do too.
8. The Ripple Effect: Why This Still Works Today
You might think: “But I’m not Jesus.” True.
But here’s the thing—you don’t need to be.
Jesus gave His Spirit to every believer (John 14:26). That means you have everything you need to make disciples who make disciples.
And when you start sending others, it creates ripple effects that go far beyond anything you could do alone.
A Simple Example:
- You disciple 3 people this year.
- They each disciple 3 more the next year.
- That’s 12 people in 2 years.
- By year 5, you’re part of a movement reaching 243 people.
- Year 10? Over 59,000.
That’s exponential growth. And it starts with just sending one.
Final Thoughts: Jesus’ Strategy Still Works
If Jesus had tried to keep everything centered on Himself while on Earth, the movement would’ve died when He ascended.
But He didn’t. He sent others.
John 20:21:
“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
That’s your mission now.
Don’t try to do it all yourself. Don’t build a brand—build people.
Send others. Empower others. Multiply the mission.
That’s how Jesus did it.
And if you follow His strategy, you won’t just grow—you’ll multiply.
“Jesus’ Strategy for Multiplication: The Power of Sending Others”
1. What is Jesus’ strategy for multiplication?
Jesus’ strategy for multiplication was centered on sending others. Instead of doing everything Himself, He trained disciples, empowered them, and sent them out to reach others. This model created a multiplying effect, spreading His message far beyond what He could have done alone.
2. Why did Jesus send the 12 disciples and later the 72?
Jesus sent the 12 and later the 72 to expand His mission. By sending them two by two, He prepared towns for His arrival and gave His followers real responsibility in ministry. This approach allowed the message to grow through relational, local impact.
3. How does sending others lead to multiplication?
Sending others multiplies impact because each person can reach and disciple more people. If every disciple makes more disciples, the growth becomes exponential instead of linear. It shifts from one person doing the work to many people doing it together.
4. Is this strategy still relevant for churches today?
Yes, absolutely. The principle of sending—discipling, equipping, and releasing others—is timeless. Churches that send leaders and empower others to make disciples will see greater long-term growth and impact.
5. What Bible verses support Jesus’ strategy of sending?
Key passages include Mark 3:14, Luke 10:1, Matthew 28:19–20, and John 20:21. These verses show Jesus choosing disciples, sending them out, and commanding all believers to go and make disciples in every nation.
6. Isn’t it risky to send people who might not be ready?
Yes, but that’s part of the growth process. Jesus even sent Judas, knowing he would betray Him. Being sent forces people to grow, depend on God, and mature in faith. Failure is part of discipleship.
7. How can I start applying this strategy in my life or ministry?
Start by investing in 2–3 people. Teach them what you know, model ministry for them, and give them opportunities to lead. Then, send them to do the same with others. It doesn’t require a title—just obedience and intentionality.
8. What’s the difference between adding and multiplying in ministry?
Adding means doing ministry yourself and growing slowly. Multiplying means training others to lead and letting them train more people. Jesus’ strategy for multiplication was about building leaders, not just gathering followers.
9. Why didn’t Jesus just do everything Himself if He was perfect?
Jesus modeled a strategy for us to follow. Though He could have done everything Himself, He chose to work through people so His mission could continue after His ascension. It’s about building a movement, not a moment.
10. What’s the first step to multiplying disciples like Jesus?
The first step is simple: choose a few and start pouring into them. You don’t need a stage or a crowd. Just be intentional about helping others grow—and then release them to do the same.
