Connect360: Go Make Disciples!
- Lesson One in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church focuses on Matthew 28:16-20.
Jesus intentionally revealed himself on many occasions after his memorable death. The post-resurrectionencounters resulted in several positive outcomes.
Jesus validated his victory over death and the grave, increased knowledge and understanding about himself, and presented a call to extend his ministry.
Multiple passages from the Gospels recount the dialogue between Jesus and his disciples, especially his directive for sharing his message of forgiveness and restoration, the “Great Commission.”
The Great Commission is a familiar term used frequently by churches to describe the call of Jesus to spread thegospel, evangelize the world, and disciple converts. The term is used as a purposeful mandate, a point of emphasis and motivation for all followers of Jesus.
Despite the prevalence of the use of the term, and the vast familiarity with the idea of a great commission, thecontemporary American Christian church reflects a lack of zeal or effectiveness in fulfilling the mission.
For the purpose of this and the following lessons in this study of discipleship and evangelism, the dual practices are fused and labeled as disciple making. Disciple making best describes the comprehensive process of introducing hearers to the gospel message of Christ and guiding them to follow Jesus and his teachings.
Even though the Great Commission is such an integral part of church life and ministry, it is more of an idea derived from synthesis of multiple biblical texts.
In this lesson, the primary passages from which the mission is derived will be explored, accompanied by a focuson the ensuing actions. Three pairs of action words found in the texts cited in this lesson form a simple but profoundprocess of disciple making.
The Great Commission begins with the authoritative declaration of Jesus, who states, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18).
This declaration sets the stage for his command, emphasizing that his followers are not given a suggestion, but a mandate grounded in his sovereign power and position.
The instruction to “go” echoes throughout the Gospels, indicating the act of disciple making is active and involves intentional movement.
The reciprocal action to sending is going. With a full expectation of obedience, Jesus declared an unambiguous call tocontinue the ministry.
The disciples’ response was indeed to accept the call and go just as he commanded. The disciples exhibited uncertainty about the future and insecurity about their abilities to accomplish the task.
Both concerns would be nullified within days by an extraordinary and powerful demonstration of God’s movement among them on Pentecost.
The sending and going aspect of disciple making is not merely a physical act, but also a spiritual one, requiringreliance on the Holy Spirit to fulfill the commission.
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