Love That Changes Everything: The Shepherd’s Heart in Discipleship

Have you ever wondered what matters most to God? In a world full of noise and distractions, Jesus brings us back to the one thing that truly changes lives—love. In Lesson 3 of Making Radical Disciples, Daniel B. Lancaster shows us that love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a way of life shaped by the heart of our Shepherd.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd

Jesus looked at the crowds and felt deep compassion. He saw people as “sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34). As the Good Shepherd, He leads, protects, and feeds us with wisdom and care. He doesn’t just care for the many—He cares for each one, including you.

But Jesus doesn’t stop there. He invites us to become shepherds to others—to guide, protect, and help those around us experience God’s love firsthand.

The Greatest Command: Love God, Love Others

One day, a religious leader asked Jesus, “Which commandment is the most important?” Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30-31)

This is the center of true discipleship. Love flows in two directions: upward (to God) and outward (to others). When we learn to love God with every part of our being, our relationships and our communities begin to change.

Practical Love: Simple Worship, Real Connection

How do we grow in love? Lancaster teaches the “Simple Worship” model:

• Worship: Loving God with all your heart through praise.
  
  

• Prayer: Loving God with all your soul, sharing your needs and listening to His voice.
  
  

• Bible Study: Loving God with all your mind, letting His Word shape your thinking.
  
  

• Practice: Loving God with all your strength, putting faith into action.
  
  

You don’t need a big crowd or a fancy program. Jesus said, “Where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). Community starts small and grows as love is shared.

Where Does Love Come From?

Scripture reminds us, “Love comes from God” (1 John 4:7). We can only give what we’ve received. As we spend time with Jesus, He fills us with a love that overflows to our families, friends, and even strangers.

Living the Shepherd’s Love

Maybe you feel like you don’t have much to offer. But even a simple act of kindness, a prayer, or a word of encouragement can reflect the Shepherd’s heart. God can use you to bring hope and healing—right where you are.

Are you ready to experience the love that changes everything? Let Jesus shepherd your heart, and watch how He uses you to shepherd others.

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