MAKING DISCIPLES

Matthew 28:19-20 – “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.”

This is a command from the Lord Jesus Christ that all Christians know. Upon deeper reflection, however, we discover profound and significant concepts within it. Christians have long understood that these words are not intended solely for those in vocational ministry or for missionaries, but for all of God’s people. If this command were meant only for those holding specific offices, ordinary Christians would not need to concern ourselves with it. Yet if we heed it, we cannot focus on one aspect while neglecting others in the Lord’s complete command. Jesus Christ issued this command to all His disciples, not merely to the Apostles. This implies that the Lord calls upon every Christian to bear witness to Him and to TEACH those who do not yet believe. While Christians do bear witness, how do we teach others? If these two verses apply to all Christians, then teaching cannot be reserved exclusively for those in formal ministry roles. Christians are children of Light; since most of us who go out to witness are spiritually and physically mature, can we truly claim we do not know how to teach others? One who goes out to bear witness—having already learned to instruct themselves—cannot claim ignorance of how to instruct others. But how does one instruct them? By what means or method? And what is the content of that instruction? Can a Christian remove this concept of “instruction” or “teaching” from the Lord’s command? If not, how is the command to instruct or teach non-believers carried out? Conversely, if one has not yet learned to instruct himself, what exactly is he testifying about when he goes out to witness to non-believers?

(to be continued)