make
The Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20 says “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.”
Typically believers and churches are good at producing decisions. Meaning we lead someone to that point of praying a prayer to receive Christ. They make a decision. Then we leave them hanging there. There is no follow up, no discipleship. And hopefully you know that discipleship is not a class that happens on Sunday night from 5 – 7. Discipleship is life-on-life demonstrating how to be a follower of Christ in every day life.
Nowhere in the Great Commission does Jesus put this responsibility on the new convert. It is completely upon the “seasoned” disciple. Jesus does not say “if they are really hungry for it, teach them.” or “if they seek you out for discipleship…” He does not say “Point them to a class.” He simply says “make disciples.” These are our marching orders. Are you obeying? Who have you made a disciple? Who are you making a disciple? Are you sharing your life with someone that they might know and follow the One you are following?
February 24th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
I’ve made a few – Rusty Gunn is among them!