If you have been in “church life” for any amount of time you have probably heard about the great commission. This commission is a command from Jesus to make disciples of Jesus. It’s a “co”mission because it’s not something Christians do FOR God rather it’s something we do WITH God. God invites us into his loving and adventurous plan to bring the whole world into a relationship with Him. Sounds fun! Yet, many of us struggle with the “how” of making disciples. It sounds fun but feels scary and we often don’t know where to start. I’m convinced the majority of believers would make disciples if they were taught how to make disciples. With summer just around the corner let’s pause for a moment and get practical when it comes to making disciples this summer.
First, a little bible study. The great commission is found in Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
“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.”
To help us understand this, let's look at it in another translation. The Message translation says it this way:
“Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
Let’s focus on each part of this passage and give you some handles for living it out this summer.
First, “Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life,”
This is all about intentionality. The call to make disciples is not an “add on” to your life. It’s a reorienting of your life. Look at your summer schedule and apply this intentionality. Are you working all summer? Ask your coworkers if they want to do a 4-6-8 week Bible study with you. Just pick a time (before work, lunch time, after work) to read a passage and ask a couple of questions. Ask them what this passage means and how we can live it out? Start in one of the four gospels. Maybe, the kids are home this summer and your schedule is full. Start with a prayer. Ask God to show you how to help the people you encounter at the pool, baseball games, vacation, etc. You can live with intentionality even without a game plan. In fact, simple intentionality IS the game plan.
Second, “marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
It would be awesome if you get the chance to baptize your friends, family, and coworkers! That would be a great pool party! However, even if you don’t here’s the big idea; Give them God! Being intentional is the engine but pointing them to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the steering wheel. Consider how you can incorporate spiritual conversations into your normal conversations this summer. Instead of simply asking a coworker how their weekend was, ask them if they go to church. Instead of simply asking them if they have read a good book lately, ask them if they have read the Bible. Ok. I get it. These sound like big scary steps. Maybe they are. But at some point you have to cross that line. You have to talk about Jesus in order to make disciples of Jesus. Be brave. God is with you! You will be surprised to find that most people are not going to reject you and run away.
Third, “Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you.”
Get practical. Don’t overthink it. Following Jesus is simply a relationship and call to obedience. Spend time studying the commands of Christ and talk to your kids, family, friends, and coworkers about them. The command to love like Jesus. To forgive like Jesus. To give like Jesus. To submit like Jesus. To sacrifice like Jesus. To empathize like Jesus. The list goes on. If you are married, practice these conversations with your spouse. Get comfortable talking to those closest to you about Jesus so you can help others to follow him. Remember, a disciple is a follower. If we don’t help people obey Jesus we aren’t making disciples of Jesus.
Last, “I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
You are not in this alone. God is doing the heavy lifting. God saves the soul. God changes the heart. God opens the spiritual eyes. God is guiding you. Trust Him. Ask the Spirit for guidance. Ask the Spirit for the right words at the right time and believe He will give them. Ask the Spirit to make you a listener. God is with you. This is what makes the adventure of disciple making so fun! You will experience God in ways you never would otherwise. That will make this summer one to remember!