Theme of the Week: Disciple-Makers
Bible Verse: ‘Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”’ Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
Scripture Reading: John 15:16-17; Luke 9:23-24; Romans 10:14-15
There have been some inspirational speeches in history that still reverberate through the corridors of time. How about Abraham Lincoln’s 1863, “Gettysburg Address,” Winston Churchill’s 1940, “We Shall Fight on the Beaches,” or Martin Luther King’s 1963, “I Have a Dream”? These were more than talks. They were speeches that inspired hope in loss and a new future, fortified weak hearts in war, and inspired a generation to take up the fight against injustice. The Great Commission declared by the risen Saviour not only reverberates today, but they are words that are alive in the hearts of millions of Christ-followers around the world.
So come full circle–back to the call to be disciple-makers. We’ve looked this week at man-to-man discipleship. That kind of discipleship is:
- Invitational – it begins with a simple invitation to another to follow Jesus.
- Irresistible – it is based on living compelling and irresistible lives of faith.
- Investment – it is forged passionate, prayerful, practical, and personal investment in the lives of others.
- Identity – it is designed to help others find their identity and purpose in Christ.
- Instructional – it is based on being proficient and persistent in the Word of God.
Discipleship is, lastly, inspirational. It inspires others to become fully devoted followers of Christ and grow and live as disciples. And that inspiration is fulfilled when it is birthed in the heart of a disciple to become a disciple-maker.
The task can seem impossible, but I can assure you that the Great Commission is possible; in fact, disciple-making is guaranteed. How? Listen to Jesus’ final words in the Amplified version: Go therefore and make disciples…and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”’
We can do it because He is with us. Today. Always.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that the call to make disciples is not an impossible task. Thank you for the promise that you are with me. Give me the courage to begin. Please make me a disciple who makes disciples. Amen.
Reflection: If disciple-making is new for you, where can you begin? If you are a seasoned disciple-maker, how can you be more effective in discipling others? Thank the Lord for the opportunity to join Him in His Great Commission.
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