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Make Disciples


The Great Commission found in Matthew 28:16-20, is packed full of so many life-changing words that a pastor could write a few months-worth of sermons. It is really fascinating to me what is packed into most of the words Jesus said.
 
We know the word “go” in “Go and make disciples” in verse nineteen. The word “go” does not imply that we “sit down and plan out” a trip or meeting. The correct translation is that Jesus is telling us we live out the Great Commission “while we are going.”
 
There is no specific destination given for “where” we are to go. It is simply an issue of living in awareness that this applies to “everywhere” we are at the moment. As you go about your day to be attentive towards living like Jesus and speaking the life-giving words of Jesus.
 
We go about our day in privacy and out in public on the alert, and fully engaged and prepared to “…give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).
 
However, there is a specific activity that Jesus wants us to be “doing” while we are “going.” Jesus said that as we are going along with our day, we are to “make” disciples. That word “make” dis also found in verse nineteen.
 
What gives this word power is that it is written in the form of a command. Jesus expects us to be awake and alert to be able to respond to the opportunities he is opening for us and the people he is drawing to us to encounter. These are “God-moments” to engage others with the Gospel and to show them the love of God.
 
So, when Jesus says “go” and “make,” he has the expectation that his followers will actively engage others no matter where they are in order to be witnesses of Jesus and to shine the light of Christ into their darkness of being separated from God.
 
Here is where we need to be very careful! We must understand the word “disciple” as well. When Jesus said “go” and “make” he never said “lead them to Jesus” and if they accept Christ that “you’re done” and have accomplished the mission. Not hardly!
 
The word “disciple” is much more than just being a convert to Christianity! It also applies to all Christians. Another word closely related to “disciple” is “apprentice.” That means, we are both seeking to lead others to Christ, while at the same time, mentoring and teaching those already born-again.
 
The Gospel is not to be “hoarded,” but “heralded.” In other words, we should never keep such wonderful news to ourselves. We share, give, and teach as much as we learn, grow, and mature. We learn and allow others to teach us so that we can, in turn, teach others so they can mature in their faith. If we aren’t teaching others or jumping on the opportunities to help others, then we are in violation of Jesus’ command to “go” and “make.” There really isn’t a nicer way to say that obvious truth.
 
One of the points of the Great Commission is that Believers obey the command of Jesus to not only tell others about him, but to teach and mentor other believers already in the faith. It is exactly what Jesus modeled for us. Jesus called the twelve disciples and taught them so that they would be capable of teaching others.
 
The Disciples then took this model they learned from Jesus and then lived it out for other people to follow. Yes, it is a beautiful cycle of “making disciples.” This cycle is what Jesus commanded for us when he said, “go” and “make.”
 
All believers must be able to go out and not only win others to Christ, but then teach them deeper truths of the faith. Train. Mentor. Teach. Show them by example. This was the pattern of the New Testament church. Salvation was not the “end result,” but merely the start of a life-long journey.
 
In fact, this is the exact same advice Paul gave to Timothy! 2 Timothy 2:1-2, “Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.”
 
The “Great Commission” is more than just leading others to Christ. It is making sure that these new believers are properly mentored, taught, and given opportunities to witness the faith “lived out” in the life of mature Christians. Everyone must get to this level of faith in their life. This is why it is so critical for the church to “do life together.”
 
Let us evaluate where we stand in regards to the Great Commission. It is a matter of digging deeper and going farther if we are “already there.” It is also a warning to those who are realizing they are not fulfilling the command of Jesus by repenting of this sin and then passionately taking the necessary steps to do something about it with the highest of priority. Ask for help and allow a mature believer to get you started by mentoring and teaching you.
 
Wherever we are right now in our faith, take advantage of every opportunity to deepen your relationship with God, expand your knowledge of Scripture, and to learn from others. All that we receive is what we will take with us to give to others. May we all “go” and “make” disciples!
 
 

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