The Great Commission: Go and Make Disciples

Have we really understood Jesus’ urgent call to “go and make disciples”? With Generation Z being the least religious in American history, the Great Commission is more important than ever. Only 51% of churchgoers know about this key command¹. This call is not just a simple instruction. It’s a global mission that pushes us to step out of our comfort zones and share the gospel.

The church needs to move from focusing inward to reaching out to the world. This change is vital to fulfill our biblical duty¹. We must see learning and teaching as key parts of discipleship. Scholars of the Bible stress our ongoing faith growth². By following this divine call, let’s think about how we can help make disciples everywhere. Let’s remember Jesus’ promise to be with us “to the end of the age”³.

Understanding the Great Commission: The Command of Jesus

The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19-20, is a key moment in our faith journey. Jesus tells us to “make disciples,” giving us a clear call to fulfill God’s purpose for us. This command is not just a suggestion but a direct order that shapes our Christian lives.

Origin of the Great Commission in Scripture

The Great Commission has deep roots in the Bible, from both the Old and New Testaments. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells us to spread His love in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the world, empowered by the Holy Spirit⁴. This mission connects to the Old Testament prophecies, showing God’s desire for all people to come to Him⁴. It reminds us that we carry the faith that must be shared every day.

Significance of Matthew 28:19

Matthew 28:19 outlines our mission with key elements. The command “make disciples” ties into a broader call to engage with the world⁵. We are tasked to go out, baptize, and teach others, promoting spiritual growth and loyalty to Jesus’s teachings. This unites the Christian community⁶. Reflecting on discipleship methods shows us all have a part in sharing Christ’s message of hope and salvation⁵.

Go and Make Disciples: The Great Commission Matthew 28:19

The Great Commission is a call for believers to take part in the important work of making disciples. It tells us to go, baptize, and teach, which are key to Jesus’ Command. This message is important worldwide, found in many Bible translations⁷

Breaking Down Jesus’ Command

The command in Matthew 28:19 tells us to make disciples. It has one main action and three guiding actions. The word “Go” means we should keep moving forward, sharing hope with the world⁸. This mission is huge, aiming to reach all nations⁷.

The Role of Baptism in Discipleship

Baptism is key in discipleship, showing new believers their commitment to Christ. The Great Commission says to baptize new followers in the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This act connects them with the Christian community, giving them a shared identity and purpose.

Teaching and Obeying Commands

Teaching is crucial in our mission to help others grow in faith. It’s not just about sharing knowledge but also encouraging people to follow Jesus’ teachings. By teaching and encouraging obedience, we help build a strong foundation for faithful living⁸. This work helps us grow closer to each other and spread the Gospel worldwide⁹.

The Importance of Discipleship in Our Lives

Discipleship is key to our spiritual growth, shaping our faith and communities. It helps us fulfill the Great Commission by spreading the gospel and changing lives. By following Jesus, we learn from His teachings and share our stories with others.

This process equips us and others with the tools for a strong relationship with Christ.

Transforming Lives Through Discipleship

Discipleship is a journey of transforming lives. It’s about guiding others in their spiritual path, helping them through doubts and struggles, and celebrating their successes. Even those with doubts, like some of the eleven disciples after Jesus’ resurrection, can still spread hope (Matt. 28:16-17)¹⁰.

It takes patience and understanding to support others in building their faith. We engage with them in their challenges and rejoice in their triumphs.

The Call to Evangelism and Witnessing

Being a disciple means we’re called to evangelism and witnessing. This call isn’t just for church or meetings but for our daily lives. We’re told to reach “all nations” in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19)¹¹.

Our efforts show trust and obedience, just like early disciples like Peter and John did. They deeply impacted their communities, starting from humble beginnings¹⁰. Sharing our faith with others expands the gospel’s reach, making a lasting difference in their lives.

Conclusion

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 is more than just a command. It’s a call to a lifelong journey of discipleship. We must answer this call to share Jesus’ power with a world seeking hope and purpose. This is crucial, especially in areas where less than 2% are Christian¹².

Even though 69% of people aged 18-29 feel ready to share their faith, only 25% actually do it¹³. This shows how important intentional discipleship is. It’s not just about converting people. It’s also about teaching and helping believers grow spiritually, so they reflect Christ more¹².

Our job in fulfilling the Great Commission is a privilege, not just a task. By being in discipleship, we show Christ’s love and teachings. This helps others to do the same. Together, let’s answer this call and guide others to faith and obedience to Jesus’ words¹⁴.