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Go! Make! Teach!



I believe most of us can quote some of the words of the “Great Commission” found in Matthew 28. I am pretty sure those words would include “go and make disciples” and something about baptizing. That is correct if you are just looking at Matthew 28:19!

However, if we move into verse 20, we see that the “Great Commission” expands beyond going, making, and baptizing when Jesus adds “…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

When it comes to the “Great Commission,” we are not only instructed to “go” and “make” and then “baptize” disciples, we are also to be actively teaching others to obey what Jesus commanded. Let’s look at all these steps.

First: Go! This is a very important word. First off, it is a command which must be obeyed. Secondly, it is not designating one specific place. Why? Because the proper translation of the Greek language for “go” means “as you are going.”
That means, we are prepared to make disciples wherever we are at the moment. No exceptions! Whenever. Wherever. Whatever. 24/7/365!

Second: Make! This word actually has two meanings. It is not about accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and then going no further. Salvation in Jesus is merely the beginning. The “making” process is also a “learning” process for both us and others.
We must continue on in a lifetime of spiritual growth and increasing godliness. John Wesley called that “going on towards perfection” or we would say “sanctifying grace” where we strive to surrender to God and die to self.
As we are doing this for ourselves, we are also sharing this with others so they can accept Jesus and begin their lifelong spiritual life as well. John 8:31-32, “Then Jesus said …, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Third: Teach! This Greek verb means “to hold discourse with other in order to instruct them.” We can also translate the word to mean “to impart instruction,” “to explain or expound a thing,” or “to teach one something.”
This is a YOU thing. Our days of saying “it’s the Pastor’s job” or “that’s why we have Sunday School” are over. It is time for us to “own up” to OUR responsibility to be a teacher of God’s word to someone else. The Bible is clear in Romans 10:14-15, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
When Jesus said “to teach,” he was saying that he wants us actively engaged in the lives of others. This is intentional. This is taking initiative to seek out individuals willing to learn more about the Bible and how to grow and progress as a Christian.
Plus, one of the greatest “end results” of our teaching others is that they eventually come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Even if we aren’t the ones who literally lead them to the Lord, just knowing we did all we could to help them get to the point of making that decision is powerful enough. Regardless….do YOUR part! Teach!

The Great Commission is our highest calling to see the lives of others transformed by the love and forgiveness of God and salvation found in Jesus Christ. It is crucial that we go about our business each day with a spiritual awareness to be ready for any “God-moments” that would allow us to share our faith with others. So, Go! Make Disciples! Never stop learning and share your knowledge with others. James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what is says.”


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