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.