“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you;” (Matthew 28:19)

We recently celebrated Easter and the hope that we have through the resurrection of Jesus. How should we live in light of that truth? Regardless of your vocation, God has a special plan for you. It’s the same plan He gave to His disciples. After Jesus’ crucifixion, His disciples were filled with fear and bewilderment. Their hopes and dreams had been shattered. The resurrection transformed Jesus’ disciples from being fearful to boldly proclaiming the Gospel. Jesus left the task of world evangelization to His disciples and ultimately to us! We are a link in the chain to continue our Lord’s work.

Matthew 28:19 is known as the great commission. As we consider this passage, what do you think is the main verb? The main verb is make disciples. It’s an imperative and the emphasis is to do it at once. A disciple is a follower, an apprentice to learn Jesus’ ways. We see this concept reinforced as the Apostle Paul presented a ministry of multiplication:

And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)

What is involved in making disciples? The three participles in the great commission help us to understand what is meant by the term make disciples. The first participle is go which could be translated going or having gone and this involves what we commonly refer to as evangelism.

Next is baptizing which involves identification or incorporation into the body of Christ. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality. Finally, we see teaching. The Bible is not merely to be studied, but it is meant to change lives. This is not simply information, but rather life transformation. Discipleship is helping someone become conformed to the image of Jesus Christ and it is a lifelong process. How are you doing at making disciples? This may seem to be an overwhelming task until we consider the promise He gave to us:

and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

What would happen if we took seriously this command to make disciples? This is not the great suggestion, but the great commission. Will you join Him in the tremendous privilege of making disciples?