Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Malachi 1-4
     New Testament Reading: Matthew 28

Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

There are two major themes woven throughout the Bible. Every verse of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation deals with either the way to God or the walk with God.

As Jesus prepared to ascend to the right hand of the Father, He gave final instructions to His Apostles. Jesus gave His disciple a Mission Statement, known as the Great Commission. In three short verses, Jesus outlined the work they were to do and the very purpose for the church. That outline includes both themes of the Bible.

The Great Commission contains three commands, not suggestions:

1. Make Disciples Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations
A Disciple is a lifelong learner who desires to grow each day in Christlikeness. Making disciples is a process that takes a person from where they are and assists them to walk closer with Christ, bringing them to maturity in the faith. The command to make disciples is the governing principle by which all Christians should make decisions in life.

2. Baptize Them baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
Evangelism is the beginning of discipleship. If the person you are discipling is an unbeliever, then the first step is conversion. They cannot grow closer to Jesus if they do not know Him as Savior and Lord. In summarizing Jesus’ words, Matthew does not give the complete plan of salvation in this phrase, however, as we observe what the disciples did and listen to their instruction throughout the rest of the New Testament, we can comprehend all that Jesus taught them concerning salvation.

3. Teach Them teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.
The Great Commission goes beyond evangelism; it is not enough to simply make converts and let them fend for themselves. We must teach them to obey the commandments of Christ, as found in the New Testament. The essence of discipleship is becoming like the Master, and this is accomplished by modeling Christ-like maturity through lifelong studying and applying God’s Word to our lives. As we walk the road of discipleship and seek to honor the Lord, we need the support, encouragement, and prayers of others who also seek to live as Christ’s disciples.

Unfortunately, today we have in many respects departed from this pattern. In most churches, most of the congregation believes they pay a pastor to preach, win the lost, and build up the saved—while they sit as spectators. The ‘converts’ are won, baptized, and given the right hand of fellowship so that they can join the other spectators.

What a bigger impact our church would have on our communities, and how much stronger and happier our church members would be if every Believer would follow these commands of Jesus. It is the responsibility of every Christian, not just a select few, to Make Disciples, to witness to others, and to encourage, build-up, and teach other believers.