Making Disciples

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 28:19

The Great Commission is not the Great Suggestion; it is the definitive marching order for every single follower of Jesus Christ. It is a profound responsibility that is not reserved for pastors, missionaries, or a special class of church staff. If you are a disciple of Jesus, your joyful task is to make other disciples, for this is how the Kingdom of God expands throughout the world.

Many believers feel intimidated by the idea of making disciples, imagining that it requires a formal classroom setting or a perfect understanding of the Bible. However, at its core, discipleship is simply a relationship with a divine purpose. It is the act of inviting someone into your life and intentionally helping them learn to follow Jesus. It is a humble invitation that says, "Follow me as I follow Christ." You do not need to possess all the answers; you just need to be one step ahead on the journey, willing to reach back and pull someone else along with you. This beautiful process involves sharing your life, your struggles, your victories, and what you are learning from Scripture. It is a priceless investment of your time that will pay eternal dividends in the lives of others.

The man who discipled me when I was a young Christian was a mechanic by trade. He did not have a seminary degree, but he had a deep love for God and a genuine love for me. He invited me to help him work on cars on Saturdays, and while we had grease on our hands, he would talk about what God was teaching him. Through his example, he showed me how a Christian man treats his wife with honor and how he handles business with integrity. Those real-life lessons, demonstrated in the garage, shaped my character far more than any classroom lecture ever could.

Prayerfully consider one person in your life who is younger in their faith than you. Reach out to them this week and offer to meet for coffee or lunch, simply to build a relationship and offer encouragement. Ask God if this is someone He wants you to intentionally invest in.

Father, I want to be used by You to make disciples. Show me who You want me to invest in, and grant me the wisdom and patience to help them grow in their faith. Help me to view my life not just as my own, but as a tool You can use to help others follow You more closely. In Jesus' name, Amen.