Recent conversations with a non-Christian have helped me see the church from a different perspective. What is the one most essential thing followers of Jesus need to do? If I did a survey, I am sure people would have a variety of answers.
Jesus had one last opportunity to tell his disciples what he needed them to do. The marching orders he spoke just before he ascended inform everything Christians and churches do every day. In fact, we should compare all of our activity to his clear call to his followers in these verses.
So many good things in my life start with obedience. Melanie and I have a framed picture of a little church surrounded by bluebonnets out in rural Texas. Beneath the picture a paraphrase of Psalm 25 speaks to me, “When we obey him every path he leads us on is fragrant with his lovingkindness and truth.” The angels told the disciples where to go and they went. Jesus showed up and they worshiped him, but some doubted. Think about that: after the resurrection, Jesus who had died came to them and some still doubted. But if they had not obeyed, they never would have seen him at all.
It may look like Jesus told them four things to do: “Go, make, baptize, and teach.” In the original language there is just one verb modified by three participles. What is the imperative of the church? Make disciples. How do we do it? As we go, we baptize and we teach others to obey all things Christ commanded. But the goal is simple: we want to make disciples who make disciples. If we get this right we are being obedient. If we don’t, all else that we do may well come to nothing. How do we make disciples? With the “all authority” Jesus received from the Father and transferred to us.
What does it mean to make disciples? A disciple is a learner. Some of my friends read this and say, “Yes, evangelize people. Invite people to trust in Jesus.” Other friends read it and say, “We have to teach people to obey everything Jesus commanded.” Which of these two approaches is discipleship? Yes! We have to invite people to know Jesus and then we have to help people to grow and become like Jesus. It has never been an either/or decision.
We are authorized by the greatest authority in the world to make disciples of Jesus. Let’s do this well and see what God does. As a disciple of Jesus, how are you actively involved in making disciples today? Prayerfully consider joining this work at Tallowood. Pastor Doyle Lowry is preparing to launch our next round of discipleship groups. The world is still waiting for people who have learned from Jesus, who live like Jesus and who lead others to do the same.
