Make Disciples – Not Converts

Jesus instructed in the Great Commission for his disciples to go and make more disciples. He spent almost every hour of three years with twelve men.

Through his instruction and example, those remaining knew how to pass along everything they had to others who would go and do the same. The fact that you are reading this book indicates that the process is working!

Read Jesus’ parting words to his disciples in Matt. 28:16-20. As you read, notice the description of what he called them to do.

¹⁶ The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. ¹⁸ Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 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, ²⁰ teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus instructed them to make disciples. What do you think is the difference between a disciple and a convert?

• A convert is someone who has trusted in Christ for salvation.
• A disciple is someone who is growing in Christ after salvation.

How does the standard of “teaching them to observe all that I commanded” differ from the expectations we often have of discipleship?

We often belittle discipleship. Following Jesus is more than a onetime decision. Following means that we are on the move. We not only know what He commanded – we are called to observe it!

Jesus wanted disciples – not converts. He discipled men who would continue to grow, not just men who would maintain an undeveloped faith. Pray that God would help you understand the need for discipleship in your life and how you should invest in others.

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