Day 17 – Being a disciple

Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and 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 was Jesus’ parting words to his eleven remaining disciples. These verses are often called the “Great Commission” because Jesus sends His hand-chosen disciples out into the world to make more disciples. According to the definition, a disciple is a follower. Translated roughly, meaning learner. One who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrine of another. A Christian disciple is a person who accepts and assists in the spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said in John 5:18 “Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.”

The question is, “What are the principles for disciple-making”?

• Disciple-makers are to model themselves after Jesus.

• Those mentored to be disciples are to identify with the first disciples, and ultimately Jesus.

• These two principles are based on the fundamental relationship between the ultimate disciple-maker, Jesus, and his disciples.

Luke 10:1 “After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” Our journey was never meant for us to travel alone in our growth as a disciple. Even in the development of the early church, the apostles went out in groups, or the smallest party would be a pair.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for leaving a foundation so we can be disciple-makers. Make us good disciples who always seek Your advice and wisdom and never try to do Your work from our point of view. Thank you for the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us Your ways. Open our discerning eyes so we can help each other in difficult times. Amen.

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