Tuesday, November 15th, 2022

Jesus’ Great Commission, his final instruction to his disciples before his ascension, was this, “ All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Notice something. Did Jesus say for us to go and be disciples, or go and make disciples? Obviously, the latter. While being a disciple is sufficient for salvation, we must understand that is not God’s full intent for us. Jesus had just finished three years of discipling, and he did it relationally, devoting himself to the spiritual growth of 12 men. While evangelism is a necessary venture, we cannot rest on our laurels by simply inviting those who do not know Jesus to church. Jesus showed us the way: in relationship, we have the authority and access to grow new believers to discipleship, the following of Christ. God gave us the Holy Spirit as the fertilizer of faith but it was left to disciples of Christ to farm the land. There is no greater calling nor more impactful endeavor. If you lack confidence, find it in Christ. If you lack knowledge, know that the Holy Spirit was given for such a task. If you lack experience, know that it will never come until you start. Start, and continue, relationally.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:18-20 NIV