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.
(Matthew 28:19-20a)

Those were among Jesus’ last words here on earth. That’s what the “therefore” is there for — it sums up nicely Jesus’ game plan for his followers. That plan?

MAKE DISCIPLES

I had breakfast with a couple of truly fabulous Christians yesterday. One owns a dentist office. The other runs an insurance agency. But ask ’em their real jobs and they’ll say: “making disciples.”

Long ago, they both stopped actively marketing their businesses, instead trusting God to bring them new customers. He did. They’re now freed up to spend lots of time meeting with the people God brings into their lives and discipling them one by one.

I really admire that. I don’t know about you, but most guys I know don’t get real real easily. I’ve been with lots of guys in lots of group Bible study settings over the years and, unfortunately, most of our discussions go something like this:

Leader: How are you guys doing?

All: Great.

Bob: How ’bout them Packers?

All: Yeah.

Dave: Boy, it sure is hot today.

All: Yeah.

Fred: Pass the donuts.

All: Yeah.

Sometimes, it’s not until you meet one-on-one with a person that he or she really opens up. Have lunch with some apparently happy someone in your life and you may be shocked to discover that — just like you — they struggle with sin. People I thought I knew well have suddenly revealed that they face addictions, depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness, doubt, temptation, ethical dilemmas, marital strife — things they never disclosed during our group gatherings.

Heed Jesus’ call to action. Get off the couch and get in the game. Get real with the people in your life. Invite ’em to breakfast. Treat ’em to lunch. Listen to their stories. And then tell ’em yours. Start making disciples today. And remember that you’re never alone in this endeavor. Here’s how Jesus concluded his above remarks:

And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age.
(Matthew 28:20b)

Need some more inspiration? Click here for an interesting article about former NFL coach Tony Dungy and his discipling of all-pro-quarterback-turned-dog-fighting-kingpin Michael Vick. You might be surprised by what you find . . .

MAKE DISCIPLES!