When we hear the word “evangelism,” what images come to mind? For many, it conjures up uncomfortable scenarios – perhaps a booming voice in a packed stadium or a confrontational street preacher. These mental pictures often make us think, “I could never do that,” or “That’s not for me.” But what if our understanding of evangelism and disciple-making is incomplete?
Let’s journey to a mountaintop in Galilee, where Jesus meets with his disciples after his resurrection. This setting is significant, as mountains in the Bible often signify sacred encounters and important revelations. As the disciples gather, we’re told they worship Jesus, but they also doubt. This seemingly contradictory response captures a very human moment – a mix of reverence and hesitation in the face of something beyond our understanding.
It’s in this context that Jesus delivers what we now call the Great Commission. He begins with a profound statement: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This declaration sets the stage for everything that follows. It’s a reminder that Jesus isn’t just offering a suggestion or a good idea – he’s speaking from a place of ultimate authority.
This authority wasn’t gained through shortcuts or compromises. Earlier in his ministry, Jesus was tempted by Satan with an offer of worldly power in exchange for worship. Jesus refused, choosing instead the path that led to the cross. Now, having conquered death, he stands before his disciples with an authority that encompasses both heaven and earth.
What does Jesus do with this all-encompassing authority? He commissions his followers to “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.”
At first glance, this might seem like a list of separate tasks: go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. But a closer look reveals that there’s really one main directive – make disciples – with the other elements describing how to accomplish this central mission.
Making disciples isn’t about sitting back and waiting for people to stumble into our churches. It’s not about crafting the perfect worship service and hoping visitors show up. Instead, it’s an active, purposeful engagement with the world around us. We’re called to “go” – to move beyond our comfort zones and actively seek opportunities to share the transformative love of Christ.
But what does it mean to “make disciples”? It’s far more than getting someone to recite a prayer or attend a service. Disciple-making is about helping people live lives fully submitted to Jesus. It starts with responding to God’s call, but it doesn’t end there. Every follower of Christ is called to some form of ministry, to be part of something bigger than themselves and to participate in God’s work in the world.
The call to “baptize” isn’t just about a ritual. It’s about helping people enter into a relationship with God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism symbolizes a profound change, a public declaration that God has made a difference in one’s life. It’s not the beginning of faith, but a recognition of God’s ongoing work in a person’s life.
Teaching is the final aspect of disciple-making mentioned in the Great Commission. This isn’t just about imparting information; it’s about showing people how to live in light of Jesus’ teachings. In Jesus’ day, disciples would commit to changing every aspect of their lives to imitate their rabbi. Similarly, our teaching should focus on how we live out our faith in practical, everyday ways.
This is where many of us might feel inadequate. We worry about not having the right words or feeling ill-equipped to answer difficult questions. But here’s the liberating truth: making disciples isn’t primarily about having all the answers or being able to win theological debates. It’s about living in such a way that others see Jesus in us. It’s about embodying His love, grace, and hope in our daily lives.
Think about it – what really draws people to faith? More often than not, it’s not clever arguments or guilt-inducing tactics. It’s encountering genuine followers of Jesus whose lives radiate something different, something attractive. It’s seeing people who live with purpose, love unconditionally, and face challenges with unshakeable hope.
On the flip side, what often drives people away from faith? Unfortunately, it’s often those who claim the name of Christ but whose words and actions don’t reflect His teachings. When we fail to live out the love and grace we profess, we become stumbling blocks rather than signposts pointing to Jesus.
The task before us is both thrilling and daunting. But here’s the incredible promise that concludes the Great Commission: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus doesn’t hand us a to-do list and walk away. He promises His ongoing presence and power as we seek to fulfill this mission.
This means that when we speak about our faith, Jesus is there. When we serve in His name, Jesus is there. Even when we stumble, doubt, or hesitate, Jesus is still there. We don’t make disciples by our own power or clever strategies. We make disciples by consistently pointing people to Jesus and allowing them to see His transformative power at work in our lives.
As we reflect on the Great Commission, let’s challenge ourselves:
1. How can we actively “go” into our communities, workplaces, and social circles with the purpose of making disciples?
2. In what ways can our lives more clearly reflect the teachings of Jesus, making faith attractive to others?
3. How can we create opportunities for genuine relationships where people can experience the love and grace of Christ through us?
4. Are there areas of our lives where we need to more fully submit to Jesus’ authority?
Remember, the goal isn’t to guilt people into church attendance or to win arguments. The goal is to live in such a way that others say, “I want to know the Jesus that they know.” That’s how we fulfill the Great Commission. That’s how we make disciples.
