Jesus Calls Us to Make Disciples

Most people don’t have the opportunity for last words. But if you knew you only had a very short amount of time left to live, you would probably want to make your words count. This is what Jesus did when He knew His time on earth was drawing to a close.

In Matthew 28:18-­20, we read Jesus’ final words before His ascent into heaven, known as the Great Commission: “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.”

This fourth and final call (to make disciples) was a common rabbinical practice in Jesus’ day. When a rabbi believed his disciples were ready, he would send them out to create disciples of their own.

Being both fully human and fully divine, Jesus could have chosen to personally appear to each of His followers throughout time, answering all their questions and teaching them everything they needed to know. But this isn’t what Jesus chose to do. Jesus commissioned His disciples to make disciples who would make disciples, until the whole world hears the gospel message.

It’s easy to feel like the responsibility to share the gospel is reserved for “professional Christians”—pastors, priests, missionaries, Christian authors, speakers, bloggers, and teachers. You might be tempted to think that if you don’t work in a Christian profession, you’re off the hook for sharing your faith.

But sharing the gospel was never meant for the select few. Yes, Christian leaders have an important role to fulfill, but so do you. Your pastor doesn’t see your neighbors, your coworkers, and your children every day. What if God put you right where He did to reach the people you see every day—people who may never know Christ’s saving power if you aren’t brave enough to share it with them? Who do you know who needs to hear the life-saving power of the gospel today?

Read Acts 1:6–8. What did Jesus tell His followers they would do? What were they given (v. 8), and why? How does this encourage you in how you respond to Jesus’ call to make disciples?

This plan is presented to you by Follow God's Will by Brittany Ann, an Esther Press resource. To learn more about this book, click here.