Go! And Make Disciples - Matthew 28:19-20
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT): “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Introduction
Have you ever had a moment where you were given an important task, a mission so meaningful that you knew it could change everything? That’s what Jesus gave His disciples—and us—in the Great Commission.
The words of Matthew 28:19-20 are not just a suggestion or a guideline; they are a command from Jesus to His followers. This command is the heartbeat of Christianity, a call to Go! But it’s not just about going—it’s about what we do as we go.
Today, we’ll explore this command under three key headings:
Go! And Make Disciples.
Go! And Baptise.
Go! And Teach Obedience.
1. Go! And Make Disciples
Jesus begins with, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations...”
The Greek word for “go” (poreuthentes) is better translated as “as you are going.” It implies that making disciples is not confined to a single event or a specific mission trip—it’s part of our everyday lives. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we are called to make disciples.
To “make disciples” means to lead people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus. This is not about creating followers for ourselves but helping others become followers of Christ.
Acts 1:8 (NLT): “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Here, Jesus lays out the scope of our mission:
Jerusalem: Start where you are—your family, friends, and community.
Judea and Samaria: Go beyond your comfort zone to reach others who may be different from you.
Ends of the Earth: The Gospel is for everyone, everywhere.
The word “witnesses” (Greek: martures) means someone who testifies to the truth, even at great personal cost. This reminds us that sharing the Gospel may not always be easy, but it is worth it.
Who in your “Jerusalem” needs to hear about Jesus? How can you be intentional about sharing your faith in your workplace, school, or neighbourhood?
Think of a lighthouse. It doesn’t go anywhere, but its light reaches far and wide, guiding ships safely to shore. As we go, our lives should shine the light of Christ, drawing people to Him.
As Charles Spurgeon once said, “Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor.”
2. Go! And Baptise
Jesus continues, “...baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Baptism is an outward declaration of an inward transformation. It symbolises the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Romans 6:4 (NLT): “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”
The Greek word for “baptise” (baptizo) means to immerse. This signifies a complete identification with Christ—not just a superficial change, but a total surrender.
If you have been baptised, remember what it represents—the new life you have in Christ. If you haven’t been baptised, consider taking this step of obedience to publicly declare your faith.
Baptism is like putting on a team jersey. When you’re baptised, you’re saying, “I belong to Jesus. I’m on His team.”
Billy Graham once said, “Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith.”
3. Go! And Teach Obedience
Finally, Jesus says, “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”
Discipleship doesn’t stop at conversion. It’s a lifelong journey of learning, growing, and obeying. Teaching obedience means helping others understand and apply God’s Word in their lives.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT): “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
The phrase “inspired by God” (Greek: theopneustos) means “God-breathed.” Scripture is not just human words about God; it is God’s Word to us.
Are you committed to learning and obeying God’s Word? Are you helping others do the same? True discipleship requires intentionality.
Think of a coach training an athlete. The goal is not just to teach the rules of the game but to develop the skills and discipline needed for success. In the same way, teaching others to obey Christ involves walking alongside them, encouraging them, and modelling obedience.
As Rick Warren says, “Spiritual maturity is for the glory of God and the building of His kingdom.”
Conclusion: A Promise to Sustain Us
Jesus ends the Great Commission with a powerful promise: “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Hebrews 13:5 (NLT): “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’”
The Greek word for “always” (pasas tas hemeras) literally means “all the days.” This includes both the good days and the challenging ones.
No matter where God calls you to go or what He calls you to do, you are never alone. His presence is your strength and comfort.
Call to Action: Go! And...
This week, how will you respond to Jesus’ command to “Go”?
Will you share the Gospel with someone who needs to hear it?
Will you encourage a new believer to take the step of baptism?
Will you commit to helping others grow in their faith?
Invitation to Faith:
If you’ve never accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, tonight is the time to take that step. He is calling you to experience His love, forgiveness, and purpose for your life.
Prayer of Commitment:
“Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love and for calling me to follow You. Help me to go and make disciples, baptise, and teach others to obey Your commands. I give my life to You today. Amen.”
