Faith Foundations: Living for What Matters MostSample

All the Nations

What does it mean to serve the world and be a disciple-maker of the nations? Are followers of Jesus meant to focus on all nations, and is the purpose of life truly global?

God’s command in Genesis 1 to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth parallels Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19 to make disciples of all nations. Just as God wanted his image-bearers to spread his glory across the earth in Genesis 1, Jesus called his disciples to spread his gospel across all nations in Matthew 28. The word translated as nations in Matthew 28:19 is the word ethne. This refers to ethnic groups rather than modern geopolitical entities, which makes sense if you think about the multitude gathered around God’s throne in Revelation 7:9–10. All tribes, peoples, and languages are included. It sure seems as if God’s purpose for our lives, as we follow Jesus, is global in nature.

The early Christians we meet in the book of Acts wholeheartedly followed Jesus’ instructions to go and make disciples. Acts 1:8 outlines the mandate to spread the gospel from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth; Acts 8:1 reveals the dispersion of persecuted believers; and Acts 8:4 depicts them preaching the Word beyond Jerusalem. Acts 11:19–21 tells the story of further gospel expansion as the believers journeyed to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, reaching Hellenists and Greeks for Jesus. The disciples didn’t rest after this. Acts 13:1–3 records the sending of Paul and Barnabas to new cities, where they continued to make disciples and establish churches. And still, there’s more! Acts 16 continues the narrative, emphasizing the commitment to disciple-making in places unreached by the gospel. Paul and his friends traveled through cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens, and Corinth, sharing the message in even more communities. Their efforts resulted in disciple-making across the Mediterranean rim and sparked missionary journeys that would reach Spain (Romans 15:18–24).

The disciples were following Jesus’ clear command to make disciples among all ethnic groups, to the ends of the earth. This directive goes beyond making disciples right where we live. It compels us as believers to reach people all over the world.

In tomorrow’s reading, we’ll explore the current state of disciple-making across the world. In the meantime, contemplate the truth that Jesus didn’t just command us to make disciples. He explicitly told us to make disciples among every people group on the planet. With this in mind, ask yourself: does my life currently reflect a focus on making disciples of all nations? If not, what’s my next step?