Introduction

Hey Church family,

Today, we're going to dive into a passage from the book of Matthew that speaks directly to our life as followers of Christ. This passage is often referred to as the Great Commission, and it's a call to discipleship that comes with a cost, but also with a deep commitment.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, "Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life." This reminds us that while our salvation is a gift, the life we live as followers of Jesus requires us to lay down our own desires and priorities in order to fully embrace the call of discipleship.

Let's read our passage for today, Matthew 28:16-20:

"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"

"Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life." —Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Call

The call to Discipleship is not just about believing in Jesus and accepting Him as our Savior, but it is also about following Him and becoming more like Him in our thoughts, words, and actions. When Jesus called His first disciples, He said, "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). This invitation was not just for those first disciples, but it is for all of us who desire to live a life that is pleasing to God and impactful in the world.

Jesus does not call us to follow a set of rules or a religious system, but He calls us to follow Him. This means that our relationship with Jesus is at the heart of our discipleship journey. We are not just learning about Jesus, but we are learning from Him as we walk with Him daily. This personal relationship with Jesus is what sets Christianity apart from other religions, and it is the foundation of our growth as disciples.

Discipleship is not a one-time decision or a short-term commitment, but it is a process of growth and transformation that lasts a lifetime. As we follow Jesus, we will continually be challenged to grow in our faith, to deepen our understanding of God's Word, and to become more like Jesus in our character and conduct. This lifelong journey of discipleship is not always easy, but it is the path that leads to true fulfillment and purpose in our lives.

When Jesus called His first disciples, they had to leave their fishing nets, their families, and their familiar surroundings in order to follow Him. In the same way, we must be willing to let go of our old habits, our old priorities, and our old ways of thinking in order to fully embrace the life that Jesus has for us. This process of letting go and embracing the new is often referred to as "dying to self," and it is a crucial aspect of our growth as disciples.

It is important to recognize that this call is not just for a select few, but it is for everyone who believes in Jesus. Jesus did not just call the religious leaders or the educated elite to be His disciples, but He called ordinary people from all walks of life. This means that no matter who we are, where we come from, or what our background is, we are all invited to follow Jesus and to become His disciples. God's grace and love are available to everyone who is willing to respond to His invitation.

In the Great Commission, Jesus instructed His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This means that as we grow in our own discipleship journey, we are also called to help others discover the life-changing power of a relationship with Jesus. This aspect of the Call to Discipleship is often referred to as "evangelism" or "witnessing," and it is a vital part of our responsibility as followers of Jesus.

This call is not just about what we do, but it is also about who we are becoming. The goal of discipleship is not just to gain knowledge or to perform religious activities, but it is to become more like Jesus in every area of our lives. This process of becoming like Jesus is often referred to as "spiritual formation," and it is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives as we submit to His leading and guidance.

As we follow Jesus, we will face challenges, hardships, and even persecution for our faith. But as we persevere in our discipleship journey, we will discover the joy and the reward of knowing Jesus more intimately and of making a difference in the world for His Kingdom.

The Cost

Discipleship requires us to make sacrifices, to lay down our own desires and priorities, and to fully embrace the call to live a life that is focused on making a difference in the world for God's Kingdom ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO