Jun 16, 2020
You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/124
This is the third in a series of devotions based on Matthew 28:16-20.
Read
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. 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, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”
Reflect
The word “go” means “as you go,” or while going. It carries with it the idea that wherever you are at any particular time, that is the time and place to be a Jesus follower. As you go to the office, to school, to the grocery store, on vacation, etc., that is the time to “make disciples.”
The word “disciple” means “student” or “follower”. Another way to think of the word disciple is “a grace-filled Jesus follower who puts faith into action.
It is important to note what is meant by the word “make.” Some people misread the word as though Jesus is commanding his followers to coerce people to become disciples. That is a misuse of the word. It is a verb. It simply means, “disciple people.” Question is, “how do you disciple people?” The answer, same way Jesus did. He loved them, he blessed them, he helped them, and he helped them become who they were created to be.
When Jesus says “go and make disciples of all nations” he is saying wherever you are and with whomever, you associate, love, bless, and help everyone.
You might think of this way, after the resurrection, the invitation to discipleship was open to all people, men, and women, of all nations. People were not called to become individual believers, they were to be enlisted as disciples within the Christian community, whose reception of the Christian message in faith must be actualized in their lives.
The call to fishermen (4:18-22), the tax collector (9:9), and the twelve (10:1-4) is now extended to all, as an extension of the call to Abraham in relationship with the promise that all nations (people) would finally be blessed through him (Genesis12:1-3).
Respond
Consider paying attention to all
people. Be vulnerable. What difference does your interaction
make in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors?
Return:
Reflect upon the scripture and your interactions of the day.
Pray:
O God, thank you for calling me to be a follower for the assurance that I am not alone in living the life you have given me to live. Thank you for giving me direction in living this life. I am especially grateful that you are helping me become more who you created me to be. Help me focus my eyes more upon Jesus, so I may recognize you more often in the people I meet along the way. Amen.