What Did Jesus Mean When He Said Therefore Go and Make Disciples of All Nation?
Jesus Christ, the son of God, gave his disciples a mandate before ascending to heaven. He said: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
This statement is popularly known as the Great Commission.
What is a disciple?
A disciple is a follower or learner of a teacher. In this context, it refers to someone who follows Jesus Christ and learns from Him. Being a disciple involves more than just believing in Jesus; it means following His teachings, obeying His commandments, and living according to His example.
Why did Jesus give the Great Commission?
The Great Commission was given by Jesus Christ to His disciples as a mandate for all believers. It was not just for the apostles but for every Christian who believes in Him.
The reason behind this mandate is that Jesus wanted His message of salvation to be spread throughout the world so that everyone could hear it.
Jesus knew that He would not physically be present on earth forever, so He gave this commandment to ensure that His message would continue to be preached even after He ascended into heaven.
What does it mean to make disciples?
Making disciples involves more than just evangelism; it involves teaching people about Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith. It means leading them into a deeper understanding of who God is and what His plan is for their lives.
To make disciples also means helping others become followers of Christ by teaching them what it means to live according to His teachings. This includes living a life that glorifies God, obeying His commandments, and sharing the gospel with others.
What does it mean to baptize?
Baptism is an important part of the Great Commission. It is a public declaration of one’s faith in Jesus Christ. It symbolizes being united with Christ in His death and resurrection and being cleansed from sin.
When Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize all nations, He was telling them to help people make a public declaration of their faith in Him through baptism.
Conclusion
The Great Commission is an essential part of Christianity. It is a call for all believers to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others and help them become disciples too. As Christians, we have a responsibility to spread the gospel message throughout the world, baptizing those who believe and teaching them to obey all that Jesus has commanded us.
- Key Takeaways:
- Jesus gave the Great Commission as a mandate for all believers
- To make disciples means teaching people about Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith
- Baptism is a public declaration of one’s faith in Jesus Christ