Jesus Wore Sandals, Not Running Shoes: Why We Don't Chase After People...

Disciple-making is one of the most meaningful and Christ-honoring experiences in a believer’s life. There’s great joy in seeing someone grow in God’s Word, walk in obedience, and begin making disciples themselves. But it also comes with heartache. It can be deeply discouraging and frustrating when you’ve invested time and energy into someone—only to watch them walk away.

That’s where this quote from Jeff Gray hits home.“Jesus wore sandals, not tennis shoes… He didn’t chase people.”

It's a visual and theological reminder that Jesus never sprinted after those who rejected His call. He was faithful to speak the truth in love—but never begged, manipulated, or followed those who chose to walk away. And if the Son of God didn’t chase people, why do we?

Disciple-Making Is Not a Sprint

We live in a world that prizes results, fast growth, and instant impact. But disciple-making is not fast. It’s often slow, painful, and full of uncertainty.

“Disciples are made, not born.”— Dr. Robert E. Coleman, author of The Master Plan of Evangelism

Jesus invested three years in twelve men. Even then, one betrayed Him. Another denied Him. Most ran when it got hard. If that was Jesus’ experience, why would ours be any different?

When a disciple you're walking with drifts, stops showing up, or outright rejects the call to obedience, it’s tempting to chase after them. We want to fix it. We want to finish the story. But disciple-making is not about control—it’s about faithful presence.

Faithfulness Over Fruitfulness

As disciple-makers, we’re called to faithfulness, not outcomes. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7,

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

You may pour into someone for months, only to see them disappear. That doesn’t mean you failed. Jesus modeled patient, persistent, and intentional investment—but never frantic pursuit.

“If your church is not making disciples, you are doing a disservice to Jesus.”— Roy Moran, disciple-making strategist

We must continue to build healthy rhythms of discipleship—not dependent on everyone accepting the invitation, but on our obedience to extend it.

The Work Is Hard—But It’s Worth It

Disciple-making is hard work. It's relational, not programmatic. It’s messy, not polished. It often feels like two steps forward, three steps back. But it's the work Jesus left us with.

Jesus didn’t spend His days chasing the uncommitted. He stayed focused on those who were willing to follow—and through that few, He changed the world. You don’t need a crowd to make an eternal impact. You just need to keep showing up and doing the work.

When They Walk Away, You Stay

If you’ve been discouraged by someone turning away from the truth, you’re not alone. But don’t stop. Don’t give up. And don’t start running after people who aren’t ready.

Stay postured. Stay available. Stay faithful.

Takeaways:

• Keep investing in those who show up.

• Don’t measure success by visible results.

• Trust God with the hearts of those who walk away.

• Rest in the example of Jesus—truth spoken, love given, no chasing.

Reflection Questions:

1. Are you trying to control outcomes in your disciple-making efforts?

2. Have you confused fruitfulness with faithfulness?

3. What would it look like to rest in Jesus’ example instead of striving in your own strength?