Called to Make Disciples
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus set forth a clear mission for every Christian: to become a disciple-maker. Put differently, any Christian who isn’t actively working to disciple others is failing the mission.
Jesus not only provides the what—making disciples—but also the why and the how.
Why We Make Disciples
The first words Jesus speaks in this commission set the tone for everything that follows. He says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” This declaration is vital. Jesus is not just a wise teacher or an inspiring prophet; He is the Son of God, the One to whom all creation is subject. His authority is supreme over every nation, every government, and every individual.
For us as disciple-makers, this truth must be our guiding star. When we teach others about Jesus, we are not sharing personal opinions or philosophies. We are pointing people to the One who holds ultimate authority in the universe.
Based on His supreme authority, Jesus instructs us to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” This command leaves no room for hesitation. The gospel is not meant to stay within the walls of our churches or our communities. The gospel isn’t tame like that. No, it’s a message for every person, every nation, every culture. This includes our own nation, as well as the farthest reaches of the globe.
Disciple-making isn’t a passive task; it’s a proactive mission. Jesus calls us to focus our lives on it, to intentionally structure our days so that we are regularly helping people come to know Him or to grow deeper in their walk with Him.
How We Make Disciples
Jesus doesn’t leave us wondering how to fulfill this great mission. He gives specific instructions: “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This is the heart of disciple-making. We are called to teach others everything that Jesus taught.
It’s important to remember that Jesus affirmed the truth and authority of the whole Bible (Matthew 5:18). He taught that every word in Scripture is trustworthy, pointing us to God’s plan for salvation and how to live as His followers. As disciple-makers, we need to do more than just share isolated Bible verses or surface-level truths. We must invest deeply in understanding the whole message of Scripture so that we can faithfully pass it on to others.
Finally, Jesus provides a promise that gives us strength and courage: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The task of making disciples can feel overwhelming at times. Whether teaching the Bible to a new believer or sharing the gospel in a difficult situation, it’s easy to feel inadequate or afraid. But Jesus reassures us that we are never alone.
—Arnie Cole