Making disciples was the major focus of Jesus’ earthly ministry, and it did not end there. After the resurrection, Matthew concluded his gospel account with this great commission from Jesus: “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” (Matthew 28:18-20). With this powerful statement, Jesus made disciple-making the focus for all of us who submit to His kingdom reign. Yet, this raises an important question: what is a disciple?
For such a critical part of Christ’s kingdom, our usual answers can be frustratingly vague. Sometimes we make discipleship a program. We treat it like a trendy label for a church’s small-group ministry or “new converts” class. Yet, biblical discipleship is so much more than an elder-sanctioned get-together, a Bible study curriculum, or a project for assigning people prayer partners.
The Twelve were often described as “the disciples” in the gospel accounts, so we sometimes treat it as a special category of Jesus’ most dedicated followers. “Regular Christians” try hard not to sin and to regularly attend church, while God gifts some “disciples” to go deep in their faith and share it with others. This could not be more unscriptural. The whole Christian community was referred to as “the disciples” throughout the book of Acts (cf. Acts 6:1, 11:26, 13:52, 14:21, 18:23). While Jesus gave the Apostles an important, foundational leadership role, everyone had a part to play in advancing Jesus’ mission (cf. Eph. 4:11-16).
To be a disciple – translated from the Greek word mathetes – is to be a learner, a completely devoted follower. So perhaps the most important question is not “what is a disciple” but “who are we disciples of?” If we get that straight, everything else begins to fall into place. Jesus invited, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:29). Our call is to learn from and be completely devoted followers of Jesus. That might at times include a program, Bible class, or mentoring arrangement, but it will also be so much more. It will be a personal relationship with and devotion to Jesus. When we have that – when we are truly disciples – we will share Jesus’ focus by going and making disciples of others.
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