Make Disciples

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 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."

The ministry does not happen in a vacuum. I listen, and wonder when folks speak about the Holy Spirit without a context! I wonder, "How do we think the Holy Spirit will change our lifestyles, including spending habits, use of time, attitudes, and activities?"

The following observations may be worthy of consideration, and application.

• The eleven were where they were told to be. Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. Obedience is always a prerequisite. The eleven were reinforcing the obedience habit. I am convinced that the most important thing a parent can teach their children is obedience. Happiness is found in obedience, not understanding.
• One doesn’t need to be perfect to meet with Jesus. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Jesus comes to ordinary worshipers, people with hang-ups, fears, anxieties, doubts. Great comfort, there is room for the imperfect, unsure and unsophisticated.
• Jesus comes to those who are where they are supposed to be. Then Jesus came to them. One needn’t imagine what would have happened if Jesus had not appeared, because He did! He always does!
• What Jesus says when He meets with people is of world-changing importance! 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. It is rather easy to implore, "Oh Lord, send the Holy Spirit," and significantly more difficult to sincerely pray, "I’ll obey every word you speak!" The altar response at the end of sermons may be the most critical moment in the hearer’s spiritual formation.

Those who desire spiritual authority and power must remember that the primary reason for that power is to be applied for the purpose of making disciples. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.
The guarantee of the presence of God is specific. Jesus promised to be with those who are engaged in making disciples. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Disciple makers form people by spending many hours, days, weeks and years teaching truth, influencing by example, encouraging with assurances, and holding his student accountable. For years we used the following equation as a template for forming interning students of ministry.

RESPONSIBILITY + ACCOUNTABILITY = MATURITY

Making disciples involves spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical formation. Disciple makers form, mold, shape the present and affect the destiny of individuals. Present learners go on to reproduce after their kind. Each of us is here because of the unbroken chain of disciple makers. The unbroken strand began with eleven obedient men who went on to be filled with the Spirit and applied themselves to Jesus’ command. My prayer is, "Oh Lord, send your Spirit so that the chain of faithful disciples reaches another generation."