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 observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB)
What does “make disciples” mean? What do you think it means? What have you been told it means? Let’s first clear up some misconceptions:
- It does not mean invite them to church.
- It does not mean hand them a track.
- It does not even mean have them accept Jesus!
The term “make disciples” is just one word in the greek text and it’s an imperative verb (in other words it’s a command). The verb means to make someone a pupil, a learner. Who is this someone? What are they to learn? Context provides the answer: The someone is “all nations” and they are to learn all that Jesus commanded.
The great commission is not about winning souls (although that’s required); it’s not about baptizing people (although that’s part of it); it’s not about getting people to walk the aisle, sign a card or even join a church! It’s about making them pupils and thus inferring they learners. You know what is not in the Bible? Graduation is not in the Bible. Nowhere in the Bible will you find: Learn this and you are done! You may find limits set in the teachings of man but you will not find those limits in Scripture.
So I leave you with this: Who is your teacher: The apostles and prophets via the Scripture or man? Are you learning from books, youtube, websites and preachers or are you learning from God’s Word? Where do you put your trust and faith, on the Word of God or in someone who tells you what that Word of God says? Are you a disciple of God or of a man?
You need to know what the Word says not what someone tells you it says. You need to be a Berean and examine the Scriptures to test ALL these other sources of teachings.
standingfortheword 