Thursday, February 14

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019

"16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.  17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  18 Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"

How do you respond to challenges?  Do you become excited or deflated?  For most of us, our response to challenges likely depends on our mindset at that moment.  If we have an overall confident tone, we look forward to tackling something significant; otherwise, we may simply become overwhelmed.

In some of His concluding words to His disciples, Jesus give a charge and a challenge:  "... [As you are going,] make disciples of all nation, baptizing he Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."  Jesus, our Lord and Savior, interacted with His disciples like a rabbi, imparting wisdom as they passed through His three years of ministry.  Jesus shared lessons through parables and sermons, but, importantly, life had been the curriculum.  Rubbing shoulders together and serving together in practical ways had forged crucial bonds, but also gave opportunities for teachable moments and growth.

Jesus's charge is therefore rabbinic.  He calls us to follow us in His footsteps as rabbi, making disciples and not mere converts.  While we sometimes think of sharing the Gospel as mechanical or formulaic, making disciples is much more organic.  It requires an embodiment of the teaching:  walking in the truths that we claim, not just proclaiming them.  Making disciples requires time, integrity, grace, and love.  The goal is not just information, but transformation.  Just as God promises to make all things new in Revelation 21-22, disciplemakers partner with the Father in bringing forth the "new creation" for those in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Critically, this call to make disciples extends to us.  We may join in the ongoing expansion of God's Kingdom, starting with living as a disciple.  We accept the "yoke" or Lordship of our Lord Jesus Christ, embracing Him and obeying Him out of love (Matthew 11:28-30; John 14:21).  We seek our own life transformation ahead of seeking it for others.  We may then minister from our own discipleship in order to "make disciples," according to Jesus's call.

And we are neither weak not alone.  Please notice that Jesus sandwiched His call to disciplemaking within two truths:  His authority is complete and universal, and He promises to be with us.  He will superintend over the process of disciplemaking, and He empowers us through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).  Any fruitfulness from disciplemaking will come from Christ's authority and the Spirit's power.  We offer ourselves as willing vessels so that we may pour out the treasure of God's Word and our lives as well.  We experience tremendous joy in the process.

What does it mean for you to "make disciples" today?  How could you trust God for opportunities to impact others?  In your family?  In your office?  In your neighborhood?  How valuable the fruit of that commitment will be!

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to join in disciplemaking.  Help us first to submit ourselves to Your call to discipleship and to grow under Your guidance and direction.  Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to live the Gospel and to connect with others whom You call to do the same.  Make us fruitful for Your Kingdom's sake.  We love You and honor You today.  In Jesus's Name, amen.