When we consider the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, it's evident that His call was not merely for followers to walk behind Him, embracing His teachings silently. Rather, one of the most groundbreaking aspects of His ministry was His final commission—His instruction not just to be disciples but to be disciple makers. This commission elevates the role of a disciple from being a passive receptor to an active progenitor of faith.
Understanding Discipleship and Disciple Making
A disciple, by definition, is a follower or learner who adopts the teachings and practices of their master. For Christians, being a disciple of Jesus means adhering to His teachings, embodying His character, and following His example. This is undeniably fundamental to Christian life. However, the role does not end there. In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), Jesus commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations." This imperative shifts the role from passive reception to active transmission of faith.
The Significance of Making Disciples
Being a disciple maker means taking the initiative to influence others positively, leading them towards spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. This process involves teaching, mentoring, and embodying the principles of Jesus in actionable ways that others can observe, learn from, and adopt.
Multi-Generational Faith: Disciple making ensures that faith is not confined to one generation. It encourages a ripple effect, where faith is passed on, ensuring the longevity and vitality of Christian teachings through ages.
Active Engagement: It transforms belief into action. Believers are urged not just to hold faith internally but to engage outwardly by nurturing others' spiritual journeys.
Expansion of the Kingdom of God: Through making disciples, the message and love of God spread across communities and nations, expanding the reach of His kingdom on Earth.
How to Be a Disciple Maker
Being a disciple maker can seem daunting, but it primarily revolves around living authentically and sharing your life positively with others. Here's how you can embark on this transformative journey:
Live Out Your Faith
Your life is the first testament others read. By living a life that reflects the values, teachings, and character of Jesus, you provide a living model for others to emulate.
Invest in Relationships
Disciple making is deeply relational. It involves investing time and effort into the lives of others, just as Jesus did with His disciples. This means being available, listening, and responding to the needs of others.
Teach and Share the Gospel
Being knowledgeable in the Scriptures and ready to share the teachings of Jesus is crucial. This doesn’t mean you need to be a biblical scholar, but you should strive to understand the core messages of the Gospel and be prepared to share this with others.
Encourage and Equip
Part of being a disciple maker is helping others to become disciple makers themselves. This means encouraging them in their faith, equipping them with the tools they need for spiritual growth, and guiding them to engage and influence their own circles.
The Challenge and the Reward
Embracing disciple making is a commitment that comes with its challenges. It demands time, patience, and perseverance. It requires vulnerability and a willingness to share not just the successes but also the struggles of the faith journey.
However, the rewards are profound. Seeing individuals grow in their faith, taking up the mantle of disciple making, and furthering the ripple effect of the Gospel is deeply fulfilling. It reminds us that our faith is alive and active, continuously growing and evolving through the ages.
While being a disciple of Christ is foundational, stepping up to be a disciple maker is fulfilling Christ’s ultimate commission. It is an invitation to not only live out our faith but to actively participate in the spiritual nurturing and growth of others. This is how the teachings of Jesus transcend time and space, through ordinary people committed to making disciples who make more disciples, till the ends of the earth and the end of the age.