The Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 calls us to an adventure of being on mission with Jesus. But what does it truly mean to be a disciple? This is a question often left unanswered, yet it’s fundamental to understanding Jesus’s command to “make disciples.” Let’s delve into this passage and explore the core elements of discipleship.
“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 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.'” (Matthew 28:16-20, ESV)
The Essence of Discipleship
Often, the focus shifts to the actions associated with discipleship – going, teaching, baptizing. However, the central command is to make disciples. These actions become the means by which we create disciples. So, what constitutes a disciple? Jesus defines discipleship through three essential truths: disciples have been adopted by God, disciples are being formed by God, and disciples are empowered by God for life and mission.
1. Adopted by God: Receiving a New Identity
Verse 19 highlights baptism: “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…” Baptism signifies dying to self and being made alive in Christ. It’s a declaration of a new identity, a transition from being an orphan to being adopted into God’s family. Before Christ, we are all, as the Bible describes, sinners, separated from God, and without a father figure. Baptism, however, re-identifies us with the Father, granting us a new identity and possession by God.
In biblical times, a person’s identity was intrinsically linked to their father and their name. We see this exemplified in figures like James and John, referred to as the sons of Zebedee, or Joshua, the son of Nun. Your father defined you.
Consider LeBron James, whose son is named LeBron James Jr. LeBron expressed some regret for naming his son after himself, knowing the pressure his son will experience throughout his life.
God, unlike a hesitant father, fully embraces the adoption of orphans. He says, “Give them my name.” Through baptism and conversion, orphans become sons and daughters, receiving a new identity, no longer defined by their past but by their relationship with God.
This Trinitarian framework isn’t just advanced theology; it’s Discipleship 101. We are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, because this triune God is the only one through whom we receive fellowship and forgiveness.
2. Formed by God: Growing in Obedience and Knowledge
Verse 20 states, “…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Discipleship extends beyond conversion; it encompasses learning, striving, imitating, and growing. Evangelism without discipleship is “cheap grace,” preaching justification without sanctification. Conversion is the kickoff, not the touchdown. It is the beginning of a life-long journey.
One of the biggest challenges facing the modern church is biblical illiteracy. Many rely on “discipleship by proxy,” passively absorbing knowledge through preachers or teachers. A first-hand knowledge of the Bible is essential for every disciple. The bible is where God reveals himself to us.
Studies suggest that even non-Christians are often more familiar with the Bible’s claims than evangelicals. We confess the Bible as our authority, but we often practice self-authority. Don’t be afraid of studying the scriptures. The Scriptures are for life.
Teaching isn’t just about information; it’s about transformation. Jesus wants us to obey his commandments and not simply know them. Another issue in modern evangelicalism is the separation of The Great Commission (“Go…make disciples of all nations”) from The Great Commandment (“You shall love the Lord your God…and love your neighbor as yourself.”)
Great Commission work must be linked to Great Commandment obedience. Are converts using Jesus, or do they see the beauty of him? Disciples find Jesus beautiful and worthy of everything.
3. Empowered by God: Living in His Presence
Verse 20 concludes with Jesus’s promise: “…behold, I am with you always….” This promise provides the fuel for our discipleship journey. Even as the disciples worshiped, some doubted (verse 17). Jesus gives the Great Commission to imperfect people, those who doubt. Our confidence isn’t in ourselves, but in God.
Jesus’s authority empowers the mission, and his presence sustains us. He says, “I will be with you to the end of the age.”
Growth in the Christian life isn’t fueled by guilt or shame, but by the presence of Christ. If the Holy Spirit brings conviction, run to the presence of Christ, not to guilt. Ask Jesus to invade and transform those parts of your life that need change.
Living Out Discipleship
Consider these questions:
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Where do you have influence? This week, where can you bring the gospel to bear – among friends, family, or at work? The fastest way to reach the nations is to reach our neighbors. Jesus went to the nations by going to a local neighborhood.
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Are you stagnating or growing? Are you growing in your relationship with Christ? Gospel-centered community and studying the scriptures are two great ways to move toward Christ.
A Call to Embrace Discipleship
If you’re a spiritual orphan, be adopted by God, receiving a new identity and forgiveness. Come home. If you are a son or daughter of God, pursue growth. Jesus wants you to teach his gospel and to teach the nations to obey the way of Jesus.
Let us be a church where orphans find home and sons and daughters grow in Christ, fueled by his constant presence.
