29 June 2025
THE MISSION MANDATE OF CHRISTIANS (2)
(Biblical & Spiritual Exhortations: BSE 18)
There are two aspects to the Great Commission: “Go, preach the Gospel to the whole creation” (Mk 16:15) and “Go, make disciples of all nations” (Matt.28:19). The word “Go” implies two things: firstly, it means action: to “move out and get going”; and secondly, it suggests a lifestyle: “as you go along in life, preach the Gospel and make disciples”. So, the Great Commission is not just for the selected few called “pastors, evangelists and missionaries” but the command is for every Christian – you and me.
Let us now look at the second aspect: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations”.
To “make disciples” of others suggests that we need to become disciples ourselves first. A disciple is committed follower who acknowledges the Lordship and Kingship of Jesus in life. Not many Christians preach the Gospel because they have not surrendered their lives totally to the Lord Jesus. This is what we call nominal Christianity. A real Christian is a committed follower and disciple of Christ. Unfortunately, too many believers are nominal Christians.
To make disciples also means Fruitfulness in our Christian life. The Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last” (John 15:16). Notice we are chosen and appointed “to go and bear fruit” which is the Fruit of Evangelism – winning souls. We are saved to save others for Christ.
We also told to bear lasting fruit – “fruit that will last” . Many believers do not last because they are not disciples. That is why disciple-making is so important. Getting people saved is not enough: they need to be nurtured spiritually to become disciples. The best and effective way is to teach them the Word of God – which is Light, Life , Truth and Spirit.
John’s Gospel records this: “As He (Jesus) spoke these words, many believed in Him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed in Him, “If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free” (John 8:30-32). The Word of Jesus is also His Teaching. Christians who do not read and study the Word of God and treasure it will never grow to become disciples. That is why Jesus said that when we make disciples we are also to “teach them everything I have commanded you” (Matt.28:19).
The Word of Christ (Who is God) is Divine Truth which will set us free – free from the power of sin and evil habits. God tells us that His Word is like the Hammer that breaks rocks in pieces (Jer.23:29). When a new believer immerses himself in the Word, his life will be transformed by the Power of God’s Word. All his evil behavior and habits will be broken by God’s Hammer. He will become a “new creation in Christ; old things will pass away and all things will become new” (2 Cor.5:17).
The challenge before us is to become good disciples of Christ and then make disciples out of others. And that is by obeying the Great Commission of Christ.
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