The LightSample

Being the Light as a Disciple Maker

Jesus taught how the light of His gospel is meant to be shared freely (Matthew 5:14-16), shining and on display for others to see. This light is meant to spread. If we learn anything about God’s heart from Scripture, it’s that it beats for all people to know Him. God wants everyone to have a chance to hear that He loves them deeply enough to take the punishment for their sins so that they might find healing and freedom by trusting in Christ and following Him (1 Timothy 2:4). Faith in Christ brings a person into the light (1 Peter 2:9) so that the love of Christ is put on display through their life.

Before He returned to heaven, Jesus spoke with His disciples and friends. He had accomplished all that God had sent Him to do, showing people what life with God as their Father truly looks like. Through His life on earth, Jesus displayed love, mercy, forgiveness, self-sacrifice, compassion, and devotion to God’s will. And now, He was leaving His followers with one final message.

“Go,” He told them. Everyone in the world needs a chance to hear this news and to be invited to live as He lived. To trust in Him, follow Him, and become like Him so that they might truly live. To follow Christ means to lead others to follow Christ as well, teaching them to obey everything He commanded them.

This is no small task. The world is full of people with very different ideas for how to live and what life about that often stand against Jesus’ way of life. For those who choose to follow this command, there will be hard work involved. There will be sacrifices. But there is more to His command. He promised His presence in the task. After all, He is the one who brings the light into people’s hearts.

Prayer

“God help me make disciples as I go out into the world teaching them what it means to follow You.”