Waha Disciple Making ChallengeSample

What the Disciple Making Challenge is all about

It Starts with One Question That Becomes Two...

Let's start our journey with Jesus - the One who began it all. Read what He said in Matthew 22:36-40:

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Take a moment to ask yourself these two questions:

1. What does it look like to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind?
2. How is loving your neighbor as yourself like loving God?

Two Answers - Love the Lord and Love Your Neighbor?

The Lord is One

Jesus’ audience recognized He was quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-9, a foundational scripture for them:

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength.”

Imagine living in ancient Babylon or Greece, where people believed in many gods and had idols for different needs. The Hebrews, however, believed in one God and required total devotion in every aspect of life.

The Sacred and the Secular

Just as God is one, we should live consistently everywhere, acknowledging God's presence in all areas of our lives. This is true discipleship. In a world filled with false gods, from ancient deities to modern-day consumerism, it's challenging to live this way. That’s why Jesus came.

“As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

Jesus showed us how to love God and others. We should imitate Him in everything. Consider what Jesus did on Earth:

• He taught about the Kingdom of God.
• He healed the sick.
• He proclaimed the good news.

Wait - then is this Actually One Answer?

John 21:25 tells us that Jesus did so much more than what’s recorded. The list of Jesus' actions is long, and many are focused on reaching and helping others (see how many you can come up with). Could loving God and loving others be deeply connected, revealing a fuller understanding of His teachings?

Take this revelation to heart: Loving God with everything you have and loving your neighbor as yourself are inseparably intertwined.

This shift in perspective could be the first step in transforming your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus!

"...go and make disciples..." Matthew 28:18-20