“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.” – Matthew 28:19
Following Jesus’ Command
We are called to follow the great commission given to us by Jesus. When He instructed us to make disciples of all nations, it wasn’t just for the apostles but for all of us. This command highlights the importance of sharing our faith. As disciples of Christ, we take up the responsibility of teaching others about His love, grace, and teachings. In fulfilling this command, we contribute to the expansion of God’s kingdom by reaching out to those around us and inviting them to experience His goodness. Our role is not merely to share knowledge, but to nurture relationships and guide others spiritually, just as Jesus did with His disciples.
Matthew 28:19
“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.” – Matthew 28:19
Acts 14:21
“When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.” – Acts 14:21
2 Timothy 2:2
“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” – 2 Timothy 2:2
Mark 16:15
“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” – Mark 16:15
Luke 10:2
“And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'” – Luke 10:2
Empowering Others
In the act of discipling others, we empower them to recognize their value and purpose in God’s eyes. We are not just transferring knowledge but igniting a spark of faith that enables them to grow and thrive. As we invest time in others, we are encouraging them to step into the roles that God has envisioned for them. Our role is to support one another through encouragement and affirmation, allowing every disciple to see their unique abilities and the potential they hold to impact the lives of others. By working together, we foster a community of believers who are firm in their faith and passionate about sharing it.
Philippians 4:9
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4:9
Ephesians 4:12
“To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:12
Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16
Romans 15:14
“I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.” – Romans 15:14
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Living out Our Faith
Discipling others goes beyond theory; it involves living out our faith in practical ways. Our everyday actions can serve as the best example for those we mentor. Our ability to embody the teachings of Jesus showcases the genuine love and wisdom He provides. By showing love, patience, and understanding in our interactions, we create a safe space for growth and learning. When we let our light shine, others are drawn toward the love of Christ, and we inspire them to follow His path. Witnessing genuine faith practiced in daily life can deeply impact individuals, making them eager to explore a relationship with God.
James 1:22
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
1 Peter 2:12
“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” – 1 Peter 2:12
Colossians 4:5
“Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” – Colossians 4:5
John 15:8
“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” – John 15:8
Building Relationships
When we take part in discipling others, we focus on building strong relationships rooted in trust and love. Relationships form the foundation upon which deeper discussions of faith can take place. We open our hearts and invite others to do the same, allowing vulnerability and trust to flourish. As we grow closer, we create an environment where questions can be asked freely and doubts can be addressed. Through mutual respect and love, we become true friends in Christ, which enhances our ability to share and spread His teachings effectively. The richer these relationships are, the more we can help each other grow in faith and understanding.
John 15:12
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” – 1 John 1:7
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Committing to Growth
Discipleship is a journey of growth for both the disciple and the mentor. As we dedicate ourselves to instructing others, we also find ourselves being challenged and encouraged in our faith. We must be open to growth ourselves, recognizing that our understanding is a continual process. We learn from the questions that arise, and we grow deeper in knowledge as we study scripture together. It’s essential to maintain a humble heart and embrace our spiritual growth. As we commit to this journey together, we will experience the fulfillment that comes from not only guiding others but also gaining deeper insights into our own faith.
2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” – 2 Peter 3:18
Philippians 1:6
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
1 Timothy 4:15
“Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” – 1 Timothy 4:15
James 1:4
“And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:4
Answering the Call
Each of us has been called to play a part in the great commission. When we step up to disciple others, we are responding to God’s voice encouraging us to be His hands and feet in the world. Answering this call is about more than just our words; it requires action and commitment to serving others. We develop a heart of service that reflects His love and care. As we accept our role in discipling, we become instruments of His grace and mercy, and this can stir a desire for others to do the same. Through our example and dedication, we will inspire a chain reaction of faith in others.
Isaiah 6:8
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.'” – Isaiah 6:8
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
Matthew 9:37
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;'” – Matthew 9:37
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” – 1 Peter 3:15
Romans 10:15
“And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'” – Romans 10:15
Final Thoughts
Discipling others is a profound calling that we all share as followers of Christ. Through the various stages of this journey, we see how important it is to build relationships grounded in love and trust. As we take the time to invest in others, we are not only answering the command Jesus gave us but also growing in our own faith. Each verse reminds us that we are all part of God’s wonderful plan to spread the good news. By living out our faith, encouraging, and empowering those around us, we can make a lasting impact.
Let’s embrace this mission with joy, knowing that as we disciple others, we also receive blessings in our hearts. It is through these connections and our shared experiences that we can truly reflect Christ’s love. We should continue to encourage one another, grow together, and answer the call that God has placed on our lives. The journey of sharing faith is ongoing, and we can support each other every step of the way.
As we seek more insights into our roles in mentoring, we can explore topics like mentoring and interceding for others. There’s always more to discover, and together, we can grow in our understanding of His word.