"Go and Make Disciples!"

 

Scripture

 Matthew 28:16-20

¹⁶ Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him, but they doubted. ¹⁸ And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ 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

²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  (NRSVUE)

 

Devotion

"Go and make disciples."  It seems like a pretty open-ended command.  I'm sure Jesus's followers spent at least a few minutes scratching their heads about what he meant when he gave this final statement.  What, after all, does being a disciple really entail?  How do you make one?

According to Merriam Webster, a "disciple" is "someone who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another."  Disciples are convinced that what their teacher says is true and work hard to live according to those teachings.  In ancient times, someone's disciples often helped care for their teachers physical needs or did certain tasks for them in exchange for the privilege of learning at their feet.

When we read through the New Testament, we see that being one of Jesus's disciples required much more than simply believing he was the Messiah and telling others to do the same.  Jesus expected disciples to spread his doctrines by living out his teachings.  It was in the act of  feeding the hungry, healing the sick, welcoming the stranger, etc. that they showed the power of his teachings.  Such acts inspired others to want to learn why the disciples did the things they did.    And as they shared the story of Jesus, the Gospel spread ever further until it finally did reach people of every nation.

Christians today--especially evangelicals--love to talk about the importance of disciple-making.  But what does that really mean for the world today?  It we are speaking about getting to believe in the story of Jesus without helping them live those teachings out, then we have only done about half the work.  Spreading Christ's doctrines means following his commands and truly living into them.  For if disciples truly believe in his teachings to feed the hungry, care for the sick, etc, then we must do it.  And as we show others what it means to spread Jesus's teachings by obeying his commands, more people begin to come to Christ.

When curious folks ask me what I do during the time between Sundays, I tend to give them a behind-the-scenes glimpse of  worship prep. entails or talk about some of the administrative aspects of congregational life.  Afterwards I realize that I missed an opportunity to describe a different and extremely fulfilling aspect of ministry.

 What I should have mention is the work other pastors and I do to help make disciples of all the people around us.  The way we try to encourage and support others as they live into their Christ-given missions.  The evening phone calls and text messages with people who need a safe place to unburden their heavy hearts.  The impromptu coffee house conversations or office chats about the things the Spirit has placed on their mind.  The emails and meetings with folks in different organizations so that we can support one another in the effort to build a more just and merciful society.   The volunteer opportunities like helping pack food bags or participating in initiatives that address poverty or prejudice.

 These kinds of things may not sound like standard preaching gig, but are some of the most fulfilling aspects of what pastors do.  They more than fill up the days between Sundays.  And it is practicing what we preach that gives credence to what we say in the pulpit on Sunday mornings.  

Friends, we don't have to be the most eloquent speaker or the greatest preacher to help make disciples.  Each thing we do in Christ's name helps spread his doctrines.  And so I encourage you to go make disciples in the ways that Jesus lays on your heart.  Show compassion for those in need of a friendly voice.  Feed the hungry.  Welcome the stranger and visit the prisoner.  Ease the distress of your fellow humans.  And when people ask why it is you do what you do, tell them a little bit about how Jesus taught you to do it.  

It may not be obvious at first, but your faithful witness might start someone down their own path to discipleship.  And you too can rest assured that you have followed Christ's command to make disciples of all nations.

 

Prayer

 Jesus, make me a faithful disciple who serves you in the highways and hedges of life.  May the way I both speak and live into your doctrines spread to the edges of the Earth, helping make believers of all nations.  Amen.