The Bible is a rich source of wisdom and guidance for many people around the world. It contains numerous teachings from Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came to the earth to save us from our sins.
One of the most important commands that Jesus gave to his disciples was to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20). In this article, we will explore where in the Bible Jesus specifically says to make disciples.
The Great Commission
The command to make disciples can be found in what is commonly referred to as The Great Commission. This passage is found in Matthew 28:19-20 and reads as follows:
“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 commandment was given by Jesus after His resurrection and before His ascension into heaven. He was speaking specifically to His disciples, who would later become known as apostles.
Understanding The Commandment
The commandment to make disciples is not just a suggestion or recommendation; it is a direct order from Jesus Himself. It is a call for every Christian to take an active role in spreading the message of salvation through faith in Him.
To make disciples means more than simply converting people to Christianity. It involves teaching new believers about Christ’s teachings and helping them grow spiritually so that they too can become disciple-makers. This process involves sharing the gospel message with others, baptizing them in water as a symbol of their salvation, and teaching them how to live according to Christ’s commands.
Therefore, it is not enough for Christians simply to attend church or say that they believe in God. They must actively seek out opportunities to share their faith with others and help them come to know Christ personally.
Other Scriptures that Support Making Disciples
While The Great Commission is the most well-known passage in which Jesus commands making disciples, there are other scriptures that support this idea as well.
One such scripture is found in Mark 16:15, where Jesus tells His disciples to “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” This commandment is similar to The Great Commission and emphasizes the importance of spreading the gospel message to everyone.
Another important scripture is found in Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells His disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and that they will be witnesses for Him “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This passage emphasizes the global nature of Christ’s mission and highlights the importance of taking His message beyond one’s local community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can see that Jesus’ commandment to make disciples is a central aspect of Christian faith. It is a call for every believer to actively engage in sharing their faith with others and helping them come to know Christ.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 makes it clear that this commandment came directly from Jesus Himself, emphasizing its importance. As Christians, we must take seriously our responsibility to make disciples of all nations so that others may come to know Christ’s love and salvation.