As Christians, we are familiar with the commandment Jesus gave to his disciples before ascending into heaven – “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). But what exactly did Jesus mean by this commandment?
What is a Disciple?
Before we delve into the meaning behind Jesus’ commandment, let us first understand what a disciple means. A disciple is a follower of Jesus Christ who seeks to learn from Him, obey His teachings, and spread the Gospel message to others. Discipleship involves not just receiving salvation but also growing in faith and becoming more like Christ.
What Did Jesus Mean by “Go and Make Disciples?”
When Jesus commanded His disciples to go out and make disciples of all nations, He was essentially commissioning them to spread the Gospel message and make more followers of Him. This commandment is popularly known as the Great Commission.
Jesus wanted His followers to not only believe in Him but also share their faith with others so that they too could experience salvation. This involved not just preaching about Christ but also teaching others about His ways and how to follow Him.
The Importance of Making Disciples
Making disciples is important because it is one of the primary ways we can fulfill our purpose as Christians – which is to spread the Gospel message. As believers, we have been called to share our faith with others so that they too can experience salvation.
Moreover, making disciples is important because it helps us grow in our own faith. When we teach others about Christ’s teachings, we are reminded of them ourselves. This helps us become more like Christ and strengthens our relationship with Him.
- Making Disciples as a Community: The commission given by Jesus was not just for individuals but for the Church as a whole. As members of Christ’s body, we are called to work together to make disciples and spread the Gospel message.
- Making Disciples as a Lifestyle: Making disciples is not a one-time event but a lifestyle.
It involves sharing our faith with others through our words and actions, building relationships, and investing in the lives of those around us.
- Making Disciples as a Personal Responsibility: While making disciples is the responsibility of the Church as a whole, it is also a personal responsibility for each individual believer. We are called to share our faith with others in our own unique ways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus’ commandment to “go and make disciples” was a call to action for all believers. Making disciples involves not just sharing our faith with others but also teaching them how to follow Christ. This commandment is important because it helps us fulfill our purpose as Christians, grow in our own faith, and work together as a community.
As we strive to make disciples of all nations, let us remember that this is not just a one-time event but an ongoing lifestyle that we must embrace as followers of Christ.