Every Christian has jobs to do, given by God in His Word.
Today we are discussing one of them: making disciples.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20
It is a passing command of Jesus before He ascended. As we live, in our daily duties, as we encounter others, we are to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
So what is a disciple? The short answer is a follower or pupil.
But more important to the basic word is what it means for living – especially for a disciple of Jesus.
To be a disciple of Jesus requires change – in a person’s heart, their mind, and in their behavior.
And we are called to “make disciples.” But to do naturally involves other things as well.
- We realize that the One actually doing the work is God and He works through the Sacraments; specifically in today’s text, through the Sacrament of Baptism in the name of the Triune God; because it is in His Name, through His power, by His doing that followers are made.
- Disciples of Jesus are made by teaching, learning, and following God’s Holy Word. “Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded” (Matthew 28:20).
- God is allowing us to take part in His miracles here. God is inviting His disciples into the process of making more disciples. What an amazing privilege!
But let’s be clear and repeat: being a disciple means being changed; thoroughly; from the inside out. It means not just showing up for worship and Bible class, but immersing yourself in worship and study because your heart burns to draw nearer to God. It means acting in service for others because it is a part of your new being as a disciple who loves others like Jesus does. It means acknowledging your sins with heartfelt remorse and contrition, receiving His forgiveness with utter joy, and working intently to change your living so that behavior doesn’t continue.
We are called to be a faithful disciple of Jesus. We are called to make disciples of others through baptism and the teaching and living His good commands.
And all of this because God has made us disciples; forgiven us and bestowed His mercy and grace; given us His free Gift of salvation; made us ones who get to follow Him in everything!
And now He invites us to take part in the disciple-making business so others get to experience the same!
What an honor and privilege!
“Thank You, Lord, for making us Your disciples when we didn’t deserve it. For baptizing us and teaching us to observe all that You have commanded. Grant us a new and willing heart, mind, and spirit to live out our lives as faithful disciples and grant us that continued joy as more disciples are made for You! In and through Jesus’ precious Name do we pray. Amen!”
Scripture
- Matthew 28:16-20
- Psalm 8 (Responsory)
