What did Jesus mean by “Go and make disciples”?

In the New Testament, Jesus instructs his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). But what exactly did he mean by this command? This article will dive deep into the significance of Jesus’ words and explore their implications for Christians today.

At its core, Jesus’ command to make disciples is a call to share the Gospel’s message and help others become followers of Christ. It is about spreading the good news of salvation and inviting others to experience the love and grace of God. In doing so, believers are called to teach and baptize new disciples, nurturing them in their faith journey.

Today, this command still resonates with Christians around the world. It means actively engaging in evangelism and mission work, reaching out to people who have not heard the Gospel, and helping them encounter Jesus Christ real and transformatively. It is also about discipleship, guiding, and mentoring others as they grow in their relationship with God.

Join us as we explore the profound meaning behind Jesus’ instruction and discover how we can fulfill this commandment in our modern society.

 

Understanding the context of Jesus’ statement

Jesus’ command to make disciples comes at the end of the book of Matthew, known as the Great Commission. It serves as a culmination of Jesus’ ministry on earth and his final instructions to his disciples before ascending to heaven. Understanding the context of this statement helps us grasp the significance of his words.

Before giving the Great Commission, Jesus had already spent three years teaching, performing miracles, and demonstrating the Kingdom of God to his disciples. He had prepared them for their future ministry and now entrusted them with the task of continuing his work on earth. Jesus knew that his time on earth was coming to an end, but he wanted to ensure that his message would be carried on by his followers.

Jesus’ command to make disciples was not limited to a specific group of people or a particular time period. It was meant for all believers in every generation. By sending out his disciples to make disciples of all nations, Jesus was commissioning them to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth, spreading the message of salvation to everyone.

 

The meaning of “making disciples.”

To understand what Jesus meant by “making disciples,” we need to break down the different components of this command. The word “disciple” comes from the Greek word “mathētēs,” which means a learner or a follower. A disciple is someone who not only believes in Jesus but also seeks to imitate his life and teachings.

Making disciples involves more than just converting someone to Christianity. It is a lifelong process of transformation and growth. It starts with sharing the Gospel, proclaiming the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. When individuals respond to this message and choose to follow Jesus, they become disciples.

However, making disciples does not end with conversion. It also includes teaching and mentoring new believers, helping them develop a deep and personal relationship with God. This involves instructing them in the teachings of Jesus, guiding them in how to live according to his commandments, and equipping them to share their faith with others.

 

The importance of disciple-making in Christianity

Disciple-making is a vital aspect of Christianity, as it is directly linked to fulfilling the Great Commission. Jesus’ command to make disciples is not a suggestion but a mandate for all believers. It is an essential part of being a follower of Christ.

By making disciples, Christians play an active role in the expansion of God’s kingdom. They contribute to the Church’s growth and the Gospel’s spread. Disciple-making is not just for pastors, missionaries, or those in full-time ministry. Every believer is responsible for sharing their faith and making disciples in their spheres of influence.

Furthermore, disciple-making is essential for individual believers’ spiritual growth and maturity. Through teaching and mentoring others, disciples deepen their understanding of the Scriptures, grow in their faith, and become more like Christ.

 

How to make disciples in today’s world

In today’s world, making disciples may seem like a daunting task. The cultural landscape has changed, and there are many challenges and distractions that hinder the spread of the Gospel. However, the principles and methods of disciple-making remain the same.

1. Building relationships: Disciple-making begins with building meaningful relationships with non-believers. By showing them love, care, and genuine interest, we create opportunities to share our faith and invite them to explore the teachings of Jesus.
2. Sharing the Gospel: Central to disciple-making is sharing the Gospel message. We can do this through personal conversations, small group discussions, social media, or even through acts of service and kindness. The key is to communicate the truth of God’s love, grace, and salvation in a way that resonates with the individual.
3. Teaching and mentoring: Once someone accepts Jesus as their Savior, the disciple-making process continues by teaching and mentoring them. This can be done through one-on-one Bible studies, discipleship groups, or mentoring relationships. The goal is to help new believers grow in their understanding of God’s Word and develop a personal relationship with Him.
4. Empowering new disciples: As their faith grows, it is essential to empower them to become disciple-makers themselves. This involves equipping them with the necessary tools, resources, and skills to share their faith and make disciples of their own.

 

Common misconceptions about disciple-making

Disciple-making is often misunderstood or overlooked in today’s Christian culture. Some common misconceptions hinder our effectiveness in fulfilling Jesus’ command.

1. It’s only for professionals: Many people believe that disciple-making is the responsibility of pastors, missionaries, or those in full-time ministry. But Jesus’ command was given to all believers, regardless of their vocation or calling. Every follower of Christ has a role to play in making disciples.
2. It’s about numbers: Disciple-making is not just about quantity but quality. It is not about how many people we can convert to Christianity but how deeply we can impact their lives. It is about making disciples who are committed to following Jesus and growing in their faith.
3. It’s a one-time event: Making disciples is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment. It requires ongoing investment, support, and guidance. It is about walking alongside new believers as they navigate their faith journey and helping them mature in their relationship with God.

 

Challenges faced in disciple-making

While disciple-making is a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor, it is not without its challenges. Here are some common challenges faced by Christians in their disciple-making efforts:

1. Resistance and rejection: Not everyone will be receptive to the Gospel message. Many people may reject or resist our attempts to share our faith. It is important to remember that our role is to faithfully proclaim the message, but the response is ultimately up to the individual.
2. Lack of knowledge and confidence: Many believers feel ill-equipped or unsure how to effectively share their faith. Lack of knowledge about the Scriptures and fear of rejection can hinder their disciple-making efforts. Investing in studying God’s Word and gaining confidence in sharing the Gospel is crucial.
3. Time constraints: In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to invest in meaningful relationships and disciple-making can be a challenge. Balancing work, family, and other responsibilities requires intentional effort and prioritization.

 

Examples of successful disciple-making efforts

Throughout history, numerous examples of successful disciple-making efforts have had a lasting impact on the spread of Christianity. Here are a few notable examples:

1. The Early Church: In the first century, the early Christian community grew rapidly through the discipleship efforts of the apostles and other believers. They were committed to sharing the Gospel, nurturing new believers, and establishing churches in various regions.
2. The Protestant Reformation: During the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation, led by Martin Luther and other reformers, emphasized the importance of individual faith and personal relationship with God. This movement resulted in widespread discipleship efforts and the translation of the Bible into local languages, making it accessible to the common people.
3. Modern mission movements: In recent history, various mission movements have made significant strides in disciple-making. Organizations such as Youth With A Mission (YWAM), Operation Mobilization (OM), and Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) have played a pivotal role in reaching people with the Gospel and training disciples to become disciple-makers themselves.

 

Resources for learning and practicing disciple-making

For those interested in learning more about disciple-making or seeking practical resources to enhance their disciple-making efforts, here are some recommendations:

1. Books: “The Master Plan of Evangelism” by Robert E. Coleman, “Discipleship Essentials” by Greg Ogden, and “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples” by Francis Chan are excellent resources on the topic of disciple-making.
2. Online courses: Websites like The Gospel Coalition, Christianity Today, and The Navigators offer online courses and resources on disciple-making. These courses provide in-depth teachings and practical tools for effective disciple-making.
3. Local churches and ministries: Many churches and ministries offer discipleship programs and resources. Getting involved in a local church community can provide opportunities for mentorship, accountability, and practical training in disciple-making.

 

Conclusion and encouragement to fulfill the Great Commission

As we conclude our exploration of Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples,” let us be reminded of the profound significance of this instruction. Making disciples is not just a task or a duty but a privilege and a calling. It is about participating in God’s redemptive work in the world and helping others encounter the life-transforming power of Jesus Christ.

In a world that is desperate for hope and meaning, we have the incredible opportunity to share the good news of salvation and make disciples of all nations. Let us embrace this calling with passion and dedication, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

May we boldly proclaim the Gospel, intentionally building relationships and faithful in teaching and mentoring new disciples. Let us strive to fulfill the Great Commission and make disciples who will impact the world for Christ.

Remember, the command to make disciples is not limited to a select few but is for every believer. Let us rise to the challenge and be faithful in fulfilling Jesus’ commandment.

May we boldly proclaim the Gospel, intentionally building relationships and faithful in teaching and mentoring new disciples.

 

 

 

About the Author

Allow us to introduce you to Bruce Mitchell – a true devotee of the Word, a guiding light in the midst of chaos, and a compassionate shepherd to his congregation. His role extends beyond that of a mere speaker; he is an ardent Bible instructor, a devoted Pastor, and an impassioned writer who strives to infuse heavenly wisdom into our daily lives.

Bruce takes great pleasure in having pursued his education at both Biola University and Dallas Theological Seminary. His heart beats with the desire to share God’s profound love and boundless mercy with the world through his ministry, Agapao Allelon Ministries, as well as his blog, Allelon.us. His mission? To interweave the principles of Agapao Allelon into society’s very fabric – embodying divine commandments such as Loving One Another and reflecting God’s immeasurable mercy, grace, and forgiveness in every aspect of our existence.

Drawing inspiration from 1 Peter 4:8, Bruce firmly believes that love possesses the transformative power necessary to turn an adversary into a friend. In accordance with 1 John 4:7-8, he maintains that without love, one cannot truly know God. And guided by Ephesians 4:31-32, he consistently implores us all to embrace love wholeheartedly just as Jesus loved us.

Bruce Mitchell is more than just another voice in this vast universe; he embodies unwavering faith paired with heartfelt empathy for others’ struggles. As always, he serves as our wise mentor, conveying insights gained from personal experiences while aiming to inspire and provide solace when needed most.

Join him as he unravels the essence of God’s word and helps you apply it in your daily life. Let’s share the love, as Jesus commanded!

Pastor | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Writer | Advocate for God’s Mercy, Grace & Love in daily life | He studied at both Biola University & Dallas Theological Seminary | 1 Peter 4:8

Check out more of his work here.