In Matthew 28:18-20, often referred to as the Great Commission, Jesus gives a command to His followers: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This passage carries profound implications for every believer. At its heart is the call to “make disciples,” a responsibility not reserved for an elite few but extended to all followers of Jesus Christ, even those working in the airline industry.
The Command for All Believers
A common misconception among Christians is that making disciples is primarily the responsibility of pastors, missionaries, or other church leaders through sermons and small groups. However, Jesus directed the Great Commission to all His followers, not just a select group. The word “disciple,” in its simplest sense, means a learner or student. Therefore, making disciples involves teaching and guiding others to follow Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him through daily life.
When Jesus addressed His disciples, He didn’t distinguish between those who would lead the church and those who would merely attend. The command to “make disciples” is a call for every believer to take an active role in sharing the Gospel and helping others grow in their faith, becoming more like Christ. This is not optional or secondary to the Christian life; it is a central aspect of what it means to follow Jesus.
Making Disciples Is an Ongoing Process
Making disciples is not a one-time event; it is a process that requires intentionality and patience. It can often begin with evangelism, but it doesn’t stop there. Jesus instructed His followers to baptize new believers and teach them to obey all that He commanded. This highlights the lifelong journey of discipleship, in which believers continually learn, grow, and become more like Christ.
In the same way that Jesus invested in His disciples, teaching and modeling a godly life for them, we are called to invest in others. This means walking alongside fellow believers, helping them understand Scripture, encouraging them to live out their faith, and equipping them to disciple others in turn. The goal is not merely to pass on knowledge but to foster transformation that leads to obedience and Christlikeness.
Practical Steps to Make Disciples
While the task may seem daunting, making disciples is something every believer can do. Here are some practical ways to live out the Great Commission:
Develop Genuine Relationships: Discipleship often happens within the context of authentic relationships. Invest time in getting to know people, listening to their stories, and showing genuine care for their spiritual growth.
Share the Gospel: Evangelism is often the starting point of discipleship. Be intentional about sharing the Good News of Jesus with those around you, whether through conversations, acts of service, or living as a witness to Christ’s love.
Teach and Equip: Help others grow in their understanding of God’s Word and how to apply it to their lives. This might involve leading a Bible study, mentoring someone one-on-one, or simply offering encouragement and wisdom in everyday interactions.
Encourage Reproduction: True discipleship is not complete until the disciple becomes a disciple-maker. Encourage those you disciple to invest in others, creating a ripple effect that extends the gospel’s reach.
Seek Out Someone to Disciple You: Maybe the reason you haven’t taken an active role in making disciples is that you don’t feel equipped to train others. Seek out someone whose life you would like to emulate and sit under their training.
The Promise of His Presence
One of the most comforting aspects of the Great Commission is Jesus’ promise: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Making disciples can feel overwhelming, but we are not called to do it alone. Jesus assures us of His presence and power as we carry out His mission. This promise reminds us that the work of discipleship ultimately depends on Him, not on our own abilities or efforts. This is an amazing opportunity to partner with the creator of the universe in the mission that He has laid out for us. Let’s all take the chance to walk in it with Him!
