Many of us have hopes and dreams of what we would like to do – the question is what does God want us to do? Regardless of your vocation, God has a special plan for you. It’s the same plan He gave to His disciples. After Jesus’ crucifixion however, His disciples were filled with fear and bewilderment. Their hopes and dreams had been shattered.

Put on your sanctified imagination and imagine the scene in heaven as Jesus returned after paying the price for the sin of mankind. The angels welcomed Him and ask Him, “Now who will tell the world?” Jesus replied “I’ve left my message with my disciples.” The angels looked somewhat bewildered and replied “Do you mean the eleven guys who abandoned you in your time of need?” “Yes,” Jesus replied. The angels replied, “Uhmm, Lord do you have a plan B?” Jesus responded, “There is no plan B.”

Jesus left the task of world evangelization to His disciples and ultimately to us! You are a link in the chain to continue our Lord’s work. It’s been said that last words are lasting words.

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18)

Whose authority are you relying upon? Jesus not only provided the authority, but He also presented the strategy to His disciples,

“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)

As you 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 this passage 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 can 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 the great commission not the great suggestion. Will you join Him in the tremendous privilege of making disciples?

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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