Therefore go and make disciples of all nations. (Matt. 28:19)
A LOT OF PEOPLE in our culture are adamant when they say, “I believe in Jesus!” Yet often their belief is superficial. They acknowledge that Jesus may have existed, and therefore they believe. They think that it might be a good idea to have some help from heaven on occasion, so they believe. They want assurance that their prayers are directed somewhere, so they have a surface belief that Jesus is on their side.
Yet there is much more to living a Christian life than believing. In fact, one could make a decent case for arguing that the best believers in the Bible were not Christians. They were demons. Demons knew precisely who Jesus was. They knew of His supreme power. In fact, those controlled by the underworld often asked Jesus what He was going to do with the demons.
The imperative of what we call the Great Commission is to “make disciples of all nations.” We do this through spiritual formation, which involves going where the lost are, baptizing them, and teaching them. Jesus has given us the authority and responsibility of discipleship.
Notice the text says, “Make disciples of all nations.” This is not just for us or even people like us. It is for everyone. Wherever you go, wherever you teach, and wherever you baptize—make sure you are doing it to make more than mere believers. Make disciples!
Prayerfully weigh Dallas Willard’s caution: “The greatest omission in church life is when we do not disciple others.”
Jim Dunn is the executive director of Church Multiplication and Discipleship for The Wesleyan Church. He resides with his family in the Indianapolis area.
