Making Disciples of Christ

Christians are living stones

1) Christ’s Choice of Us

Christ chose the twelve disciples who later became apostles. Later He sent out seventy disciples. But most relevant to us is the charge He gave all of His disciples in each Gospel: proclaim His Gospel (Good News) to others. Discipleship is the process God’s people learn more of Christ’s teaching and become conformed to His likeness. Read Christ’s goal for us.

A pupil (disciple) is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. (Luke 6:40)

2) Christ’s Goals for Us

Christ’s goals for us is clear. We will not be greater than our teacher–Christ, but we will need to be trained. We need to be more like Christ our Teacher both in character as well as in mission. We are not yet there, but we are growing. We will always need humbleness to lead people to Christ. Notice below how the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy. We should follow this pattern.

And the things (Gospel) which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)

• ‘The things’ refers to the Gospel or main content of Jesus’ teaching.

• In this verse Paul shares how he has taught others like Timothy.

• Timothy is to train ‘faithful men.’

• These faithful men are to teach others.

This is the way the Gospel has touched our lives. It is the same way God’s truth will go out to all the nations. We make disciples. Parents are to teach their children. More mature Christians are expected to teach the younger.

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Reflection: Discipleship takes place in lots of settings. Last night my three-year-old clapped excitedly as our family of ten sang together at our evening family worship. We read and discussed a passage from Deuteronomy and then prayed. The smallest ones insisted on praying for the orphans in India and for a missionary family, besides other family needs. What have they already learned?

Applications

• If you are a true believer of Christ, make sure you are baptized.

• Ask your disciple trainer or mentor to help you disciple another.

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