(Making Disciples)
Matt. 28: 16 – 20
Text: "Therefore go and make disiciples of all nations …teaching them to obey…” (v. 19 – 20)
Introduction:
Four thoughts are major in today’s message:
a. The Lord Jesus Christ (after resurrection) met His disciples in Galilee (v.16 – 17)
v.16. Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
v.17 . When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
b. Jesus assured them of His power (v.18) c. He commissioned them (v. 19 – 20)
d. He gave them His promises of presence (v.20)
In this (3rd) series of our Fulfilling our Purpose, our emphasis is on Making Disciples
Note: 1st – Be and display the image of God
2nd – Preach the good news that liberate
3rd – Make disciples
I. Background to the Mandate:
Jesus, Words: “All authority…has been given to me”
Note that it is a GIVEN power
By God for one single purpose (to exalt Christ above and over all)
Note also, the power (of Jesus) is over and above all that is in heaven and earth – including at least 3 areas:
a. Power to rule and reign:
i. to receive the worship and subjection of all men who willingly surrender to Him (Rm 12:1-2; 1 Cor.6:20)
ii. to bow the knee of all men and to receive their acknowledgement of Him as Lord
b. That authority also includes the power to govern and direct:
i. the affairs of men without violating man’s freedom
ii. the affairs of nature and the world without violating the laws of nature (Eph. 1:22)
c. That authority also includes the power to forgive sins
Read Matt. 9:6
Luke. 5: 20 – 21
Jhn. 5:22 & 27
Upon this authority, He says “Therefore, go…”
II. Make Disciples:
What Is a or Who Is Disciple
- A follower
- A learner
Interesting to note that this instruction was not to the 11 disciples but t over 500 disciples who were there with Him.
This command (or Commission) extends to us today
Note the 3 arms of the Commission:
Make disciples
Baptize them
Teach them
For a GENUINE believer, this is a crucial statement
To Jesus, DISCIPLING is the whole essence of the church
To Jesus, DISCIPLING is the best method to evangelize the world
Hence we are to do what Jesus did
And what did Hi do?
According to Luke 19:10
He came to seek and save the lost (those who are willing to commit their lives to Him)
When He found them, He saved them
He attached Himself to them
He began to mold that person into His image
Attachment is a serious word here
(See women’s attachment to their hair)
Christ made disciples of men by attaching Himself and through this:
They observed His life and conversation
They assimilated His character and behaviour
The began to follow and serve Him more closely
By this, Jesus envisioned something beyond Him and His day and time
As Jesus attached Himself to disciples to do the same through centuries ( 2 Tim.2:2)
In this context the emphasis is on “the making of disciples as we go”
Read Mark 10:7
Matt. 28: 19 – 20
Mark. 16:15
Conclusion:
Be converted
Be a follower of Jesus
Be well attached
In His name, attaché to someone
Remember, everyone is/makes a disciple, the question is are you of, or making one for Jesus
If you are not a disciple and you are not leading others to be, you are not fulfilling your life purpose.
Rise up to your purpose and assignment today.
Pray now for grace and courage
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