The Forgotten Command

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:16-20)

The Great Commission is Jesus' last earthly message to his disciples in the Gospel of Matthew. While we thank the Lord for His direction even today, this is the core message he wants His disciples to remember as his parting command.

What is a Disciple?
A person who is disciplined in following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and is committed to the words of Jesus (Matthew 4:19).

What is Disciple-making?
Disciple-making is entering into spiritual relationships to help people trust and follow Jesus (Matthew 28:18–20). It's essentially spiritual parenting by giving personal attention and Christian guidance. Making disciples means getting involved with people.

Today, the church runs many good initiatives, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, the truth is that failure to make disciples and be a disciple is a failure at the foundation level.

Reason #1:
Why don't most Christians make disciples?
This is because they themselves have never been discipled.

Reason #2:
Why don't most Christians make disciples?
This is because making disciples involves moving out of your comfort zone; it involves work.

God wants us to have the good things in life. However, when the commands of Christ take a back seat to comfort, then comfort becomes an idol. The convenience of life should not make a Christian mission lazy.

Suppose the reason a Christian is not making disciples is that they are too busy with other non-mission-related activities. In that case, they are silently communicating a message to the Lord that "their things" are more important than His mission.

The Good Samaritan's love moves him to act and save the man left wounded on the side of the road. (Luke 10:33-34) If you love the Lord, you will love His people, and this will compel you to help them and guide them in the ways of God.

I want to leave you with one question.
What if every Christian made it his bounden duty to be a disciple and, in turn, disciple a few people? I tell you, there would be a revival in a week's time.

Lord Jesus, help me live a life that reflects Your grace. Father, give me Your grace and power to make disciples. In Jesus' name. Amen.