When Jesus said, “Go and make disciples,” he was giving his followers a clear mission. But what does it mean to make disciples? And how can we fulfill this commandment today?
Making Disciples: What Does It Mean?
To understand what Jesus meant when he told his followers to go and make disciples, we need to look at the context of his words. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gave what is now known as the Great Commission:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
From this passage, we can see that making disciples involves several key elements:
- Going out into the world
- Sharing the gospel message
- Baptizing new believers
- Teaching them to obey Jesus’ commands
Why Is Making Disciples Important?
The reason why making disciples is so important is that it is central to God’s plan for salvation. Throughout history, God has chosen to work through people to bring others into a relationship with him. From Abraham to Moses to David, God called individuals to be leaders and examples for others.
In the New Testament, Jesus continued this pattern by calling his disciples to follow him and then sending them out into the world to share his message. This same mission continues today as Christians are called to follow in Jesus’ footsteps by making disciples.
How Can We Make Disciples Today?
So how can we fulfill Jesus’ commandment to make disciples today? There are several ways:
1. Live as a Disciple of Jesus
The first step in making disciples is to be a disciple yourself. This means living your life in a way that reflects the teachings and example of Jesus. As you follow him, others will see your example and be drawn to the gospel message.
2. Share the Gospel Message
Another important aspect of making disciples is sharing the gospel message with others. This can be done through personal conversations, evangelistic events, or even online through social media and other platforms.
3. Baptize New Believers
When someone responds to the gospel message and decides to follow Jesus, the next step is baptism. This public declaration of faith is an important part of becoming a disciple and should not be overlooked.
4. Teach Them to Obey Jesus’ Commands
Finally, making disciples involves teaching new believers to obey everything that Jesus commanded. This includes studying scripture, prayer, worship, and serving others.
The Power of Discipleship
When we take Jesus’ commandment to make disciples seriously, we can see amazing things happen in our own lives and in the lives of others. By following his example and sharing his message with others, we can help bring people into a relationship with God that will change their lives forever.
So let us go out into the world today with the mission of making disciples, knowing that we have the power of God working within us to accomplish this great task!