As we begin this new series, we turn to Scripture to understand how disciples are made and what our role is in this calling. Following His resurrection and before His ascension, the Lord Jesus gave His disciples a clear mandate: to go out, preach the gospel, and make disciples of all nations. He declared in Matthew 28, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you” (vs.18-20a). This is not a suggestion – it is a command, and every believer is called to participate fully and faithfully. Interestingly, the verses just before this tells us that “when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted” (vs.17). Even in the presence of the resurrected Christ, some still struggled with unbelief. Yet despite this, Jesus still entrusted them with the mission, showing us that God is not looking for a perfect vessel but one that is willing to step out in faith and partner with Him.
Now, to better understand how discipleship works, we consider John’s account of how the first disciples came to follow Jesus. John the Baptist, though a great prophet, pointed his own disciples to Jesus, saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). Immediately, two of his disciples left him and followed Jesus (vs.37). John did not hold onto them or take offense because he understood that they belonged to Christ. Church, true discipleship always points people to Jesus, never to ourselves. As these men followed Jesus, He turned and asked, “What do you seek?” (vs.38a). This remains a vital question for us today: Why do we follow Jesus? People come to God for various reasons – provision, healing, direction, and many others – but true disciples are those who primarily desire to learn from, and walk with, Him. The disciples called Him “Rabbi, which is translated Teacher” (vs.38b), revealing their desire to be taught and shaped by His way of life. After spending time with Jesus, one of them, Andrew, immediately went to find his brother Simon Peter and said, “We have found the Messiah,” and he brought him to Jesus (vs.39-42a). This is the essence of one wins one. Discipleship begins with a personal encounter, but it does not end there – it compels us to share with others. Andrew did not wait until he was fully mature – he simply shared what he had found. And through that one act, Peter was brought to Jesus, and would go on to play a significant role in advancing the gospel, the very rock on which the church was built (Matthew 16:18). Discipleship begins with a personal encounter, but it does not end there – it compels us to reach others. We see this pattern repeated: Jesus finds Philip (John 1:43), Philip finds Nathanael (vs.45), and the chain continues. This is how the Kingdom grows – person by person, life by life.
Saints, we cannot keep this gospel to ourselves – we must share it with the world, starting with our immediate surroundings. In Acts 1:8, Jesus instructs the disciples to start witnessing about Him in Jerusalem – their immediate environment, just like Andrew first went to his own brother. For us, this means our families, friends, colleagues, and communities. And while this can be challenging, it is often where discipleship begins. Jerusalem is not always easy – it knows our past, weaknesses, and limitations. Scripture tells us that “a prophet is without honour in his own hometown, among his relatives and his own household” (Matthew 13:57; Mark 6:4), yet this is still where we are called to witness. People may doubt or question us, just as Nathanael did when he said, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). But Philip simply responded, “Come and see.” When Nathanael encountered Jesus, everything changed. Jesus revealed that He had seen him even before they met (vs.48), and this revelation led Nathanael to believe that Jesus was indeed the Son of God and King of Israel (vs.49). So as we share the gospel, we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, trusting that He is with us and working through us, just as Jesus promised, saying, “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b).
Matthew 4 gives us another key insight into the making of disciples. As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, He called Andrew and Simon Peter, saying, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men,” and they immediately left their nets and followed Him (vs.18-20). Saints, the making is a result of the following. As we walk in obedience to Christ, we are transformed into people who can disciple others also. It is important to understand that discipleship is not accidental, but intentional. It is a way of life that requires humility, obedience, and consistency. As we follow Jesus, we are shaped into His likeness, and through us, others are drawn to Him. So, church, let us take this call seriously and be intentional about reaching those around us. We may not know the full impact of one life we touch, but God does. One conversation, one invitation, one act of obedience can change a life forever. Hallelujah!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us into Your Kingdom and entrusting us with the mission to make disciples. Help us to follow You wholeheartedly and to be sensitive to those You place in our lives. Give us boldness to share the gospel and wisdom to lead others to You. Use us to impact lives for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
