(The following is the February 8 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Matthew 28 and pay close attention to verses 18-20.)
The Great Commission was Jesus’ marching orders to the apostles. In it, he commanded them to be disciples who make disciples. We have a part in continuing that work. Whenever we live and act in ways that call others to faith in Christ and help them grow in maturity, we are being disciples who make disciples. We have the authority to do this because Jesus, to whom “all authority has been given” (v. 18), has charged us with this mission. We need no one else’s permission because we have the direct orders of our Lord to do this.
The Great Commission tells us the components of making disciples: “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you” (vv. 19-20). The need is to call others to faith and help them grow as believers. Individual roles in those efforts will differ according to how God uniquely equips and calls us.
There are countless ways to share, teach, and preach the gospel effectively. For example, we can:
Follow practices that have served the church well for centuries.
Learn from sound principles of teaching, preaching, and communication.
Make positive use of cultural and societal norms.
Be creative when new technologies and practices lend themselves to teaching and applying God’s Word.
We should use all biblically sound means to make disciples. Confidence should undergird our efforts, not because of our skill and wisdom, but because Jesus promised, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (v. 20). Our role is not to guarantee results but to obey Jesus. When we do, he will ensure that his kingdom grows.
Next Step:
How do you contribute to making disciples for Christ? What fruit has God yielded through your efforts? Can you think of a way to be more intentional about fulfilling the Great Commission?