Disciple-Making Disciples

When you meet someone for the first time, it’s common to ask, ‘What do you like to do?’ or ‘What do you study?’ or ‘What do you do for work?’ We often define ourselves by what we do with our time.

So is there something that God says we should be doing with our time? Is there a job he has on his heart for us to do? In today’s passage, we read that Jesus gives his disciples a unique, lifetime job – to “go and make disciples of all nations.” If we are disciples of Jesus, then we are also given that responsibility. 

Making disciples of all nations might sound big and complicated, but it’s actually something we can do right now. To make disciples, we need to tell people about Jesus and the good news that he brings: that we were once enemies of God, but now we can be part of his family because of Jesus.

For some, it might be the right decision to make this a full-time job and become a missionary or a minister. But for most of us, it means just talking about Jesus with the people we already know or will meet in our own community.

Talking to others about Jesus can feel scary, but today’s passage gives us confidence: Jesus is always with us.

Questions: 

1. What do you think Jesus means when he asks us to teach others everything he has commanded? Check out Matthew 22:37–39 for a hint. 
2. If following Jesus is part of your identity, how do you think you could show that in your life? 
3. How can you remind yourself each day of this important job that Jesus has given you?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you that you gave all authority in heaven and earth to Jesus. Help me to go and make disciples of all nations, showing everyone in my life how much you love us. By your Spirit, give me the courage to show love in my words and actions, even when it’s hard. Amen.