The directive to “go and make disciples” is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in the commandment given by Jesus Christ to His followers before His ascension. This command, often referred to as the Great Commission, encapsulates the purpose, reasons, and motives behind the Christian endeavor of disciple-making.

The Great Commission

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This passage is the cornerstone of Christian missionary work, underscoring the global scope of the disciple-making mission and the enduring presence of Jesus with those who undertake this task.

Reasons for Making Disciples

1. Obedience to Christ’s Command: The primary reason for making disciples is obedience to Jesus’ explicit command. As followers of Christ, Christians are called to adhere to His teachings and commands, making disciple-making a fundamental aspect of Christian life.

2. Expansion of God’s Kingdom: Making disciples contributes to the expansion of God’s Kingdom on earth. Through disciple-making, individuals come to faith in Christ, growing the body of believers and advancing the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:8).

3. Spiritual Multiplication: Disciple-making leads to spiritual multiplication, where new believers are equipped and empowered to share their faith with others, leading to a cascading effect of evangelism and discipleship (2 Timothy 2:2).

Motives for Making Disciples

1. Love for God and Neighbor: The motive behind making disciples is rooted in love—love for God and love for neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). Sharing the message of the gospel is an act of love, seeking the spiritual well-being and eternal salvation of others.

2. Desire to Glorify God: Making disciples is ultimately aimed at glorifying God. As individuals come to faith and grow in their relationship with Christ, God is glorified through their lives and testimonies (1 Corinthians 10:31).

3. Compassion for the Lost: Christians are moved to make disciples out of compassion for those who do not yet know Christ. Understanding the eternal consequences of rejecting the gospel compels believers to share the hope they have in Jesus (Matthew 9:36-38).

4. Fulfillment of Christ’s Mission: Jesus’ earthly ministry was focused on teaching, healing, and making disciples. Christians, as followers of Christ, are called to continue His mission, participating in the work He began (John 20:21).

The Practice of Making Disciples

Making disciples involves more than just evangelism; it encompasses teaching, mentoring, and nurturing new believers in their faith, helping them to grow into mature followers of Christ who obey His commands and replicate the disciple-making process in the lives of others.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in making disciples, empowering believers to witness and enabling the hearts of those who hear the gospel to respond in faith (Acts 1:8, John 16:8-11).

The command to “go and make disciples” is not optional for Christians; it is a central part of their identity and calling. Motivated by love, obedience, and a desire to see God glorified, Christians engage in making disciples, trusting in the Holy Spirit’s power and the promise of Jesus’ presence with them as they fulfill this Great Commission.

The command to “go and make disciples” given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20 remains a cornerstone of the Christian mission. However, the methods to fulfill this command may vary to reach different people in our modern-day world effectively. Adapting our approach allows us to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, each with unique challenges and perspectives.

Adapting to Cultural and Societal Changes

1. Understanding Cultural Context: Paul’s approach in Acts 17:22-23, where he speaks to the Athenians by starting from their own cultural references, shows the importance of understanding and respecting the cultural context of those we are reaching out to.

2. Utilizing Technology: Just as Paul used the Roman roads to travel and spread the Gospel, Christians today can utilize technology—social media, online forums, and digital platforms—to share Christ’s message (Colossians 4:3).

3. Maintaining Gospel Integrity: While adapting to cultural and societal changes, it’s crucial to distinguish between adapting methods and adopting worldly values. Christians are to transform lives by the renewing power of the Gospel, not conform to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2). This means presenting the Gospel in a way that resonates with people’s current context, without compromising the truth and principles of God’s Word. In doing so, we follow Paul’s example, who became “all things to all people” so that by all possible means he might save some, always ensuring the Gospel’s purity and power remain unaltered (1 Corinthians 9:22-23).
4. Guarding Against Compromise: In our efforts to connect with others and share the Gospel, it’s vital to ensure we do not compromise biblical truths. Paul’s counsel to “become all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:22) was about finding common ground to share the Gospel effectively, not conforming to or endorsing behaviors contrary to God’s standards. Similarly, while Jesus dined with sinners (Luke 5:29-32), His purpose was to call them to repentance, not to partake in their sins. Christians are called to be in the world but not of it (John 17:16), always aiming to reflect Christ’s character and uphold His teachings, even as we seek relevant ways to engage with those around us.

Personalizing the Gospel Message

1. Building Relationships: Engaging in personal relationships allows for a tailored approach to disciple-making. By understanding an individual’s questions and struggles, Christians can better address their specific needs (1 Thessalonians 2:8).

2. Service and Action: Demonstrating the love of Christ through acts of service can open doors to share the Gospel. Jesus exemplified this by healing and serving others as part of His ministry (Matthew 9:35-38).

Embracing Diverse Methods

1. Small Groups and Home Churches: Acts 2:46-47 describes the early Christians meeting in homes, sharing meals, and discussing God’s word. Small groups and home churches can provide intimate settings for deeper discussions and personal growth.

2. Public Evangelism and Personal Witnessing: While public preaching like Peter’s sermon on Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41) is vital, personal witnessing to friends, family, and colleagues can be equally effective in making disciples.

Why Vary Our Methods

1. Accessibility: Varying methods ensure the Gospel is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or current life situation (1 Corinthians 9:22).

2. Relevance: Adapting methods to contemporary issues and questions makes Christianity relevant to people’s lives today (Jude 1:3).

3. Respect for Individual Journeys: Recognizing that each person is on a unique spiritual journey requires flexible approaches to share the Gospel (Philippians 2:4).

The Role of Prayer and the Holy Spirit

In all methods of making disciples, prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit are crucial. The Holy Spirit opens hearts to the Gospel message and guides Christians in their approach to disciple-making (John 16:13).

Conclusion

Varying our methods of making disciples is not about changing the message of the Gospel but about effectively communicating that unchanging truth to all people in a way that meets them where they are. By being flexible and creative in our approach while grounded in Scripture and led by the Holy Spirit, we can fulfill Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations in our modern-day world.

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