THE GREAT "COMMISSION"... NOT THE GREAT "SUGGESTION"

Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus came to them and said, "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

To make disciples is the great command here given to all believers. This is not only for pastors and missionaries but also for every believer. This passage is often used to encourage us to evangelize and make converts.

While evangelism is important, this commission is about much more than just making converts. New believers must also be brought up in the faith or made into disciples. Notice also that we are commanded to make disciples of all nations. That includes the nation we live in, the nations around us, and every nation in the whole world. There is only one God and one way to be saved; therefore, all must be told.

There are two main parts to making disciples in this commission. The first is baptism and the second is teaching The Great "Commission".... Not the Great "Suggestion". Baptizing is the outward sign and confession of believing and, therefore, being saved and entering the church. It is the result of evangelism and of faithfully calling people to faith and repentance. The second part of making disciples is by teaching. This teaching is to be done in both word and example. The focus of the teaching should be the commands and teachings of Jesus. Notice here that it says "all." We need to teach "all" that Christ taught, not just our pet texts and doctrines.

Before you can make disciples, you need to be a disciple. Disciples believe that Jesus has full authority in their lives. They believe Jesus is working today in this world through the Holy Spirit. They believe that what Jesus taught is true; he is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. The great comfort we have and our great hope for success is that Jesus is always with us and will continue to be with us wherever we go until the end of time.

The implication for our mission is clear. Making disciples means getting involved with people. Jesus' disciples hung out with Jesus in order to be sent out by Him. If we need these marching orders, if we get out of the shadow of our church buildings and culture. He will go with us! Glory!!!

Father, thank You for this day and for the breath of Your Word Lord, let Your abundant blessings be on our family's portion today. Almighty God, I know you sent Jesus so the world could be saved. We know that means more than just them hearing about Jesus. Lord, we know You want people to be true followers, to be disciples. So forgive us, Father, for the times we have procrastinated because we worried the job was too big, too hard, too expensive, and too personally demanding. Lord, help us to be more excited and generous with sharing the gospel with others. Lord, use us to be a voice crying in the wilderness of this world that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Father, we love You. Amen.