“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 everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19:20
Our command of Christ Jesus is the same as it was for His disciples: Go…Make disciples of all nations. Which prompts two questions: What is a disciple? And how do we make one?
In this context a disciple is a follower of Christ. Jesus called His disciples saying, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17 Understand Jesus was not suggesting they simply follow Him wherever He might go but rather to follow His life example. The Apostle Paul brings clarity with his command, “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Cor 11:1
The disciple John also affirms those who profess to have a relationship with Christ to do the same: “The one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.” 1 John 2:6
Our definition of a disciple is one who imitates their mentor, is a learner, who follows their example, living life in the same way. This helps us understand, it takes a disciple to make a disciple! Whom we choose to follow is critical to whom we want to become. We become like the people we hang around. A leader can be identified by his followers. Are there any?
Jesus said, “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
Hopefully, it has become clear then that to be a part of making disciples, we must first become a disciple. A disciple is a follower, a learner, who imitates his mentor in all walks of his/her life. To become a leader, one must first learn to become a follower. How can one lead another to a place they have never been? It takes a disciple to make a disciple!
The Great Commission therefore is not only the mission of the church as a whole but for each and every one who professes Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Go…(become a true disciple of Jesus) then set about making disciples of all nations (all nationalities).
Blessed by you… Bro. Sherman
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