Go and Make Disciples

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20, NIV).

I love reading about the adventures of the disciples. It’s a reminder that as followers of Jesus we are like the disciples, living with the Holy Spirit inside of us, and that should be our guide. Several years ago I was praying about joining the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as a staff member. I attended a church service, and the message was on Matthew 28:18-20:

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

This is one of the primary Biblical principles upon which the ministry of FCA was built, so I knew then the Lord was calling me to say yes. The heartbeat of FCA is to be like the disciples. Just as Jesus told them before He ascended into heaven, He tells us today.

Go. Make disciples. Of all nations. Teach them. He is with us.

Often in life we’re called to move into spaces that might make us feel uncomfortable, unprepared, or ill equipped. Don’t you think the disciples might have felt that way, too?

But God.

The decision wasn’t about me saying yes to FCA. It wasn’t about me believing in my abilities, but rather saying yes to Jesus, and trusting He would provide all I need to serve in those places. He has done that, and continues to be my provider, equipper, and protector as I take each step.

I love the line “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” When we put our faith in Jesus, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, which provides everything we need to fulfill the command He gives in Matthew 28. 

If we go forth to make disciples in our own power, we will fail.

If we go forth to make disciples of people who look just like us, we will fail.

If we go forth to make disciples, baptizing them in the name of our own abilities, we will fail. 

If we go forth to make disciples and teach them to obey everything we say, we will fail. 

The Holy Spirit is a gift intended to be our helper, comforter, and counselor. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit working within us that we are able to step into spaces that make us feel uncomfortable, and share the Good News of Jesus with others.

We aren’t called to say yes to everything, but we are called to prayerfully consider the places where Jesus is calling us to go. Take some time today to consider this, and be prepared to allow God to equip you to do all you need in His power.