Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Go and Make Disciples

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:16-20

Let’s look at v. 19 again, but this time at the command to “go and make disciples.”  Notice how Jesus doesn’t tell us to make “converts” but “disciples.”  There’s a big difference between the two. You certainly have to start with a convert; it’s one of those things that is necessary but not sufficient.  It’s amazing when the concept really takes hold of a person’s heart. 

Kiren was so excited, she could barely contain herself.  She was so happy that we taught her how to share the Gospel and disciple new Believers.  You see, Kiren never attended school more than a year or two, so she was totally illiterate.  We taught her just the same as we teach other people, to share her story and God’s story.  For early discipleship, we showed how to do seven simple lessons using Bible stories and group discussion.  When I talked with Kiren and her husband two months later, I nearly fell on the floor.  She’d been visiting all of her friends throughout the village, and over hot cups of tea, she would tell the Good News of how Jesus had shown mercy toward her and how they could follow Him too. 

She led 50 women to Christ over those 2 months! 

She started the early discipleship lessons with these ladies who couldn’t read or write either.  It was so joyous to see what God was doing in and through her life.  When we follow Jesus’ commands in His power, and through His authority, He does amazing things through us. 

Lord, help me to be obedient to the command you have given us to make disciples. Help me understand that no matter what my education or background, I can make a difference with the power you have given me. 

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