Being and Making Disciples of Jesus

I have a sweet friend who has had a crazy year.  Pretty much all that could go wrong, did go wrong.  She had marital troubles, financial troubles and those troubles bled over into other aspects of her life.  As she was walking through all of these trials and issues she would send me devotionals, songs of encouragement and scripture to read.  She continued to read her Bible, show up for the Bible study she attends and have people in her home to minister to them.  One night we went out to dinner and as we were leaving the restaurant my friend pulled out an inspirational scripture card booklet. She left a beautiful scripture card with a sweet note on the table for our server.  (Y’all our server was terrible, too, but that’s besides the point.)   In this simple way, despite her circumstances, she was sharing the love of Jesus.  Watching her walk through this time and how she interacts with the world around is an encouragement to me.  She is a great example of being a disciple of Jesus and making disciples practically. 

I know I used the word disciple a lot, don’t worry you’ll hear it a hundred more times, but what is a disciple anyway?  A disciple by definition is a follower of a teacher, or leader.  Being a disciple of Jesus means being a follower and student of His.  The Word of God is meant for us to listen to and do what it says. In the book of James verse 1:22 says “do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves, do what it says.”  As it relates to making disciples, we are given instruction from Jesus himself.  After Jesus is resurrected and appears on earth for 40 days, he has a conversation with His disciples before He ascends into heaven.  In this conversation He gives them what is referred to as “the Great Commission.” Since this is His last conversation in His earthly body with His disciples, I’d venture to say, it’s pretty important.  According to Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

Let’s break this down a bit.  Many think of the great commission and their mind goes straight to going on a foreign mission trip.  Foreign mission trips are great and some followers are called to that, but all Christians are called to  make disciples in the everyday. Here’s how I know that, in the Greek “go” is in the Greek is translated to “as you go.” “Make disciples” is imperative, so this means this is a command.  Simply put, we are commanded by Jesus himself to make disciples as we go.  So, make disciples as we go to work, school, about the day, to the grocery store, as we feed our family, teach our children.  It doesn’t say as you go, if you’re having a good day or as you go when you feel like it.  The great commission says as you go.  So, despite our circumstances, situations or desires.  Nowadays the world is screaming for us to find our passion, do what we love, find a way to monetize what we love, follow our hearts, live our best life.  Everyone is trying to find their calling and purpose.  Jesus tells us to “make disciples.”  What if I told you that our calling and purpose are just that?  To make disciples.  

In order to make disciples, we first have to be a disciple.  The good news is that we have the best teacher, Jesus Christ!  In the Great Commission He even says “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  If we follow the ways and life of Jesus and emulate Him, we can grow to be more like Him, becoming His disciples.  The even better news is that He promises to be with us while we do it.  I can’t wait to share more of the practical application of this with you.  But for now, let’s just rest in knowing He wants us to a follower of Him, learning His ways and become more like Him everyday.  He wants us to share this life, joy, purpose and calling of and the following Him with others. As Christians, that is the goal.  So, consider where God has you in life right now and how you are glorifying Him as you go, not merely listening to the Word, but doing what it says.  Make disciples. 

How are you where you are now becoming more like Jesus?  What are some practical ways you can grow in your walk with Him?

How can you share His love with those around you? 

May I suggest that you quit looking for what’s next and consider looking at who is right in front of you?   Could you share God’s love with them, as you go? 

What are some ways you can practically share the love of God with others (think of what my friend did and how simple it was)?  Is God sparking an idea or thought about how you can share His love as you go? 

I can’t wait to hear the stories.  Share Jesus friends, be a disciple and make disciples!