The Lord Jesus, at the conclusion of His earthly ministry, gave to His disciples a compelling charge that has become known as the “Great Commission.” In very clear and convincing terms, He challenges each one of His disciples to “Go and make disciples…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20). Years later, the Apostle Paul writes his final letter to his disciple, Timothy, and urges him to “…be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:1-2). Discipleship is the heartbeat of the Church. When discipleship is woven into the inner fabric of our being, the Church is healthy and growing. When discipleship becomes a hollow pledge and a forgotten way of life, the Church becomes sick.
A believer in Jesus Christ, a Christ-follower, needs to be fully engaged in discipleship. This task, this wonderful privilege, of being His disciple and making other disciples for Him, is not another “religious” duty, but a way of life. Discipleship, biblical discipleship, is the normal Christian life. Any other way of living as a Christian is fraudulent and will certainly lead to an unfulfilled life. We know that it is God’s will for His people to be fully committed disciples of His. We also know that for every requirement that God places before us, He also provides for us the necessary resources we need to do what He has called us to do. This is also true about discipleship.
Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (NLT)
