Day 24: Go and Make Disciples

Read Matthew 28:16-20

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19 – 20)

 After His resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days with His disciples. When the appointed time for His ascension arrived, the disciples gathered on a designated but unnamed mountain in Galilee to meet Him. There, they worshiped Him, though some still doubted the resurrection power that had broken the stronghold of death. Significantly, the hindrance to disciple-making is because we doubt in Christ. Disciples is a discipline for those who believe and worship the Lord.

A Mandate for the Disciples

By the blood of the Lamb, we have passed from death to life. As Lord of this new creation, Jesus issued a commission for all believers to carry out during this present phase—from His ascension to His second coming. This commission comes from the One who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. We are now called to be His ambassadors, bringing this message to all nations:

1. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” – This means sharing God’s salvation plan with everyone, leading others to the saving grace of our Lord.

2. “Baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” – Baptism is our outward declaration that we are dead to self and aligned with Christ. We are children of God, and the Holy Spirit dwells within us.

3. “Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” – Discipleship goes beyond evangelism; it involves teaching others the truth that has set us free. The commandments are rooted in love for God and for others. The essence of discipleship is becoming more like Jesus through our submission to God’s Word.

This commission is not fulfilled by our own strength. It comes with the promise that for those who are faithful, Jesus’ presence will always be with us until the end of time. He will be there for those who carry out His mandate.

Application

Live your life according to the Word of God, and let your light shine before others. It is your actions that give credibility to your words. People are drawn to what you do, not just what you say. This is the true discipline of discipleship.

Prayer

Teach me to live my life worthy of the cross that brought me this saving grace. Let my life me a channel of light that bring hope to others. Let me be one that will shine in dark places, drawing others to your saving grace. Amen.