Scripture References: Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 9:10-19
Intro: Greetings! We all crave change, especially deep, internal transformation. Yet, ironically, while the world around us changes constantly, lasting inner change often feels elusive. Today, we explore Jesus' great key, His final command, often overlooked but central to genuine transformation: making disciples (Matthew 28).
Key Points:
- The Command Amidst Doubt (v. 16-18): Jesus gives the Great Commission to His eleven remaining disciples even as some doubted His resurrection reality right before them! This shows His call isn't based on our perfect faith but on His supreme authority ("All authority... has been given to me"). He commissions imperfect people for His perfect plan.
- Discipleship Makes the Difference: Jesus' strategy for world change wasn't primarily large events, but intentional, life-on-life disciple-making. While events have place (Saul's conversion), the process (Ananias mentoring Paul) fosters deep transformation. We grow most significantly by pouring into others and allowing others to pour into us.
- What is Disciple-Making? (v. 19-20a):
- Go: It's active, not passive waiting. We move towards people.
- Make Disciples: Intentionally helping others become committed followers of Jesus.
- Baptizing: Bringing people into public identification with Christ and His community.
- Teaching Obedience: It's not just information transfer, but teaching how to live out Jesus' commands through the Spirit's power. Grace empowers obedience, not excuses ongoing sin.
- Discipleship is Costly (Requires Sacrifice): Following this command involves cost – time, vulnerability, intentionality, leaving comfort zones, prioritizing people over projects. We must embrace this cost, recognizing we're an army on mission in enemy territory, not just a family seeking comfort.
- Non-Discipleship Costs More: Avoiding the cost of discipleship leads to a greater cost: spiritual stagnation, isolation, superficiality, and missing the joy and purpose of partnering with Jesus. We were designed for deep community and mutual growth. The cost of not discipling is infinitely greater than the cost of discipling.
Conclusion: Jesus' final command wasn't a suggestion but the core strategy for personal transformation and kingdom expansion: Go make disciples. This life-on-life investment, though costly and requiring faith amidst doubt, is empowered by His authority and presence ("I am with you always"). It's the path to deep change for both the discipler and the discipled, and fulfills God's mission in the world.
Call to Action: Be convinced: discipleship is essential. Ask yourself: "What is the Lord saying, and what am I doing about it?" Identify one person you can intentionally invest in and one person you can learn from. Step out of passive consumption and embrace the costly, yet rewarding, call to make disciples, trusting in His authority and presence.
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