What Did Jesus Mean When He Said Therefore Go and Make Disciples of All Nations?
When Jesus gave the Great Commission to his disciples, 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 has been a guiding principle for Christians for centuries.
But what did Jesus mean by this command? What does it really mean to make disciples? Let’s explore this further.
What is a disciple?
Before we can understand what it means to make disciples, we need to define what a disciple is. A disciple is simply a follower or student of a particular teacher or philosophy.
In the context of Christianity, a disciple is someone who follows Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
To be a disciple of Jesus means to believe in Him, obey His teachings, and strive to live according to His example. It means having an intimate relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and studying the Bible. And it involves being part of a community that supports and encourages one another in their faith.
What does it mean to make disciples?
Now that we have defined what a disciple is, let’s look at what it means to make disciples. Making disciples involves introducing people to Jesus Christ and helping them become His followers. This involves sharing the gospel message with others so they can understand who Jesus is and what He has done for them.
Making disciples also involves teaching new believers about the Christian faith so they can grow in their understanding of God’s Word and develop a deeper relationship with Him. This includes teaching them about prayer, worship, serving others, giving generously, and living out their faith in practical ways.
Why is making disciples important?
Making disciples is important because it is part of Jesus’ plan for spreading the gospel message to the world. He commanded His followers to go and make disciples of all nations, so that everyone would have the opportunity to hear about Him and receive salvation.
Additionally, making disciples helps believers grow in their own faith as they share it with others. It also helps to strengthen the church community as new believers are added and become active members of the body of Christ.
How can we make disciples?
So, how can we fulfill Jesus’ command to make disciples? There are several ways:
- Prayer: We should pray for opportunities to share the gospel message with others and for God’s guidance in making disciples.
- Lifestyle: Our lives should reflect our faith in Jesus and be a witness to those around us.
- Relationships: We should build relationships with non-believers so that we can share our faith with them in a natural way.
- Sharing the Gospel: We should be prepared to share the gospel message with others when opportunities arise.
- Bible Study: We should teach new believers about God’s Word so they can grow in their understanding of Him.
In Conclusion
Making disciples is an essential part of being a follower of Jesus Christ. It involves sharing the gospel message, teaching new believers about the Christian faith, and helping them develop a deeper relationship with God. Let us be obedient to Jesus’ command and go out into all nations, making disciples for His glory.