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!
