Jesus Invites Us into His Epic Crusade

In Matthew 28:18-20, our Commander-in-Chief issues our marching orders, “make disciples of all people groups.” Many call this the “Great Commission” because it’s so crucial to understand our call, even though it’s one of five commissions. Notice first the context. Jesus had just been raised from the dead through the power of the Father, breaking the chains of death. Through faith in Jesus Christ, a sure way now exists for the Father to restore relationship. Before His death, Jesus had instructed the eleven disciples to return to Galilee after His resurrection. What a bold statement for one about to die! And they obeyed, some worshipping Him and some doubting, just like us today (Matthew 28:16-17).

First focus on the two “bookends” that surround the one command to “make disciples.” Jesus has universal authority throughout all space and time. The “therefore” in verse 19 implies what other Scripture makes clear. Jesus now delegates His authority to His people. We carry His authority. Jesus then concludes with the encouraging words that He is perpetually present wherever we go and whatever we do and say (28:20). What assurance, His authority and His presence until the end of the ages!

This commission only has one command, “make disciples of every people group,” with three descriptors showing us how to do this. In the 1^st century, a disciple was one who learns from a person in an interactive, question/answer, life-to-life way, rather than only from books or in classrooms. The world was Jesus’ classroom so He taught both formally and informally on the go. Jesus discipled the Twelve in primary groups of three or four (gathered together as the Twelve). What He taught flowed from who He was, so they saw Him up-close-and-personal. They were changed as they beheld (2 Cor 3:18). Jesus’ strategy is timeless, working to make disciples in any culture at any time since the world is on His heart. And how can we make learners or followers of Jesus today?

• Evangelize (“go”): The Father sends us to live life outwardly as His witnesses in the world, just like He sent His Son, Jesus.
• Enfold (“baptize”): Baptize means to plunge fully in. Our water baptism testifies that we belong to God through faith in Christ. For the church body, baptism signifies this person is immersed or enfolded into our faith-community for mutual support/care.
• Equip (“teach to do”): Not just teaching information; a lifestyle of willing obedience to multiple other followers (Ezra 7:10).

Jesus’ simple plan is spiritual multiplication with a solid spiritual DNA. Four grow together, then become 16; 16 to 64 in three spiritual generations, multiplying faith-communities as small as 3-5 people. Are you becoming more like Jesus and bringing others along with you?

This is Reflection #46 in my book, Foundation Stones. I also have a web-site with tools, books and "more than Bible studies" that have helped me to live out of this spiritual DNA, www.JimFredericks.com