Go and Make Disciples

Last words carry weight. We lean in when someone we love is leaving for a trip, moving away, or ending an important conversation. We do not want to miss what comes last.

Before Jesus ascended, He left His followers with a clear command:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19, ESV)

That command can feel overwhelming. It may sound like an assignment for pastors, missionaries, or people who are more confident and spiritually mature. But Jesus spoke to ordinary followers who were still learning to trust Him.

The mission belongs to every Christian.

The mission has not changed

Discipleship is sometimes treated like an advanced option for Christians who want to go deeper. Jesus made it central to the mission of His Church.

He did not tell His followers merely to gather attenders or produce people who know the right answers. A disciple is learning to follow Jesus with his or her whole life.

Making disciples means helping people trust Christ, obey His teaching, grow in His character, and learn to help others follow Him.

Be with Jesus before you go

Before Jesus says “go,” He reminds His followers that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him.

Discipleship begins with following Jesus ourselves. We cannot lead someone along a road we refuse to travel. We cannot pass on what we are not receiving.

Spend time in Scripture. Pray. Confess sin. Take the next step of obedience. Let Jesus shape your life before you worry about how to shape someone else’s.

One practical habit is to journal as you read Scripture. Write what the passage says, what stands out, what questions it raises, and how you need to respond. The goal is not a perfect notebook. The goal is to listen and obey. What Jesus is teaching you today may become the very truth you share with someone tomorrow.

Discipleship happens through relationships

Discipleship is rarely flashy. It often looks like coffee, prayer in a car, an open Bible at a kitchen table, or a conversation during a difficult week.

Someone probably helped you learn to follow Jesus. Someone prayed, answered questions, modeled repentance, or showed you how faith works in ordinary life. Now you have the opportunity to do the same for someone else.

Think of discipleship as passing a baton. You are not claiming to have finished the race. You are sharing what you have received while continuing to run.

Teach obedience, not information alone

Jesus said to teach disciples “to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20, ESV). Knowledge matters, but discipleship aims at obedience.

We learn to trust Jesus with decisions, relationships, time, habits, work, money, and the future. That kind of growth happens best in relationships where people can ask honest questions, admit failures, pray, and take practical steps together.

Obedience is not perfection. It is a life pointed toward Jesus, ready to repent and return when we fail.

Jesus goes with you

The Great Commission ends with a promise:

“Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, ESV)

We often focus on the command and forget the comfort. Jesus does not expect us to make disciples in our own strength. He is present and at work.

You will not have every answer. You do not need to. Be honest when you do not know, then search Scripture together or ask a mature believer for help. Faithful presence matters more than pretending to be an expert.

Who is your one?

Discipleship does not have to begin with a program or a crowd. It often begins with one person.

Ask God to bring one name to mind. Pray for that person. Invite him or her to read a Gospel with you, meet for coffee, or talk regularly about following Jesus.

Ordinary faithfulness can shape a life for generations. Start with one person, open God’s Word, and trust that Jesus will be with you.

Adapted from a sermon by Jarrett Stephens.