Continuing yesterday’s thoughts, if you did not do yesterday’s devotional, consider doing it now; otherwise, read Matthew 28:16-20.
Making disciples involves helping people become stronger followers of Christ. So often, the idea of making disciples is seen purely as evangelism. But according to the Great Commission, making disciples includes at least two elements: baptizing and teaching. Baptism is the initial identification with Christ and His victory over sin (death of sin) and the resurrection to new life. Teaching includes not just an understanding of Jesus’ teachings, but also obedience. Baptism occurs at the front end of our new life in Christ and teaching continues from there on out. Many people do not see themselves at the front end of the process (i.e. evangelism), and most are not comfortable with that aspect of the Christian life. On the other hand, most people are involved in the teaching aspect of discipleship. That may sound unusual if we limit teaching to merely instruction. But teaching in Jesus’ mind was more than instruction. He lived the message as well in order to give a living example of his words. Jesus wants followers who are committed not in thought only, but in deed. Jesus said a fully trained student will be like his teacher (Luke 6:40). A disciple is a follower or learner who is devoted to personally reproducing the life of a mentor or teacher. He wants us to reproduce ourselves in others with Christ as the model. That is a calling that each of us is involved in.
To Consider
What are you reproducing in others as a part of the Family of God? It is a dangerous thing to realize that both our weaknesses and strengths can be reproduced in others by merely getting involved in people’s lives. What are you teaching others about Christ and helping others grow stronger in their relationship with Him?
Personal Thought
I think generally this is something most of you who are reading this from FBC understand these truths. In my early years of faith, I considered this passage to be about evangelism – delivering the gospel message to all the world. Certainly this is true. But later it became clear that making disciples was not only about sending disciples, but equipping them to be sent as well. I had come to understand that the Great Commission was not merely to “baptize”, but to “teach “. This changed the way I viewed my personal purpose in the kingdom. I realized that standing on the street corner preaching the gospel and handing out tracts was not necessary for me to be a part of fulfilling the Great Commission. (Of course, there are some who do play that role.) There was great freedom in knowing the Great Commission is accomplished by a team of God’s people called the local church in which I could be free to use my gifts as He intended.