Matthew 28:19-20, “19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The only way the world can change is through the power of the gospel. The only way the gospel can be heard is if disciples preach it through whatever means possible. And the only way disciples can preach the gospel is if they themselves have been trained and sent out.
That is why Paul wrote the following in Romans 10:14-15, “14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Therefore, it is a God-given command for every follower of Christ to be a trained disciple that is sent out to make new disciples. In the above passage Jesus gives the clearest way in which disciples are made and sent out. As a result, these powerful words of Jesus have been known in church history as the “Great Commission.” The Great Commission simply refers to the important and powerful command for disciples to be trained and commissioned to make new disciples.
The command of Jesus to “go and make disciple of all nations” is for all believers at all times. There is no one that is exempt from Jesus’ Words. No matter who you are, what you do for a career, your level of education, personality, national identity, or schedule you are to be responsible to stand for the Great Commission. Who are you currently discipling?
Here are three ways you can stand for the Great Commission, (1) Be a disciple that is trained in the local church to be sent out to make new disciples; (2) Pray for God to use you to make disciples for the rest of your life; and lastly, (3) Encourage every believer in Christ to obey Jesus’ command to be a disciple maker of the nations.
Reflection
In what ways can you stand for discipleship in your community?
Action
- Explain from the Bible why you should stand for the Great Commission.
- Pray that God will use you to reach out and build the church with disciples that make disciples.
- For more information regarding standing for the Great Commission read the following books, “Growing True Disciples,” by George Barna and “Revolution in World Missions,” by K.P. Yohannan.
