Explore the commandment given by Jesus to make disciples of all nations, the process of doing so, and the power that comes from obeying this command, emphasizing that discipleship involves a committed life beyond mere intellectual agreement.
Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to dig deep into the heart of what it means to be followers of Jesus. We're going to dive into Matthew 28:18-20 and talk about the call to make disciples, the process of making disciples, and the power of making disciples.
Now, before we start, I want to share a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He once said, "Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ."
Let's read Matthew 28:18-20 together:
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.'"
This command, often referred to as the Great Commission, is a clear directive given to all believers. It is not reserved for pastors, missionaries, or church leaders alone. It is a call to every follower of Christ. It is a call that requires action, intentionality, and commitment.
All believers: When Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations," He was not just speaking to the disciples who were physically present with Him at that time. He was speaking to all who would come to believe in Him, including us today. This command is as relevant and urgent now as it was over two thousand years ago.
A call to evangelism: It is a call to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who do not yet know Him. It is a call to lead others to a saving faith in Jesus. But it doesn't stop there. Making disciples is not just about leading people to Christ; it's about helping them grow in their faith and become fully devoted followers of Jesus. It's about teaching them to observe all that Jesus has commanded, just as the verse says.
A call to selflessness: Making disciples requires us to put the needs of others before our own. It requires us to invest our time, energy, and resources into helping others grow in their faith. It requires us to be patient, compassionate, and understanding. It requires us to love others as Jesus loves us.
A call to obedience: Jesus didn't say, "If you feel like it, go and make disciples." He said, "Go therefore and make disciples." It is a command that we are expected to obey. And when we obey this command, we are not only fulfilling our purpose as followers of Christ, but we are also bringing glory to God.
A call to transformation: As we make disciples, we ourselves are being made into disciples. As we teach others to observe all that Jesus has commanded, we ourselves are learning to observe all that Jesus has commanded. As we lead others to a saving faith in Jesus, we ourselves are being led to a deeper faith in Jesus.
Not an easy one: It requires sacrifice, perseverance, and faith. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones and take risks. It requires us to trust in God's power and provision. But it is a call that comes with great reward. For there is no greater joy than to see someone come to know Jesus and grow in their faith because of your influence.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about a time when you felt the call to make disciples and how you responded to that call. How did this affect your life and your faith?
The process of making disciples is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of growth and transformation ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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