Make Disciples That Make DisciplesSample

The Four Commands

Before diving into Christ’s final earthly command, pause and consider: What if these weren’t just Jesus’ last words to His disciples, but His first words to us today? The Great Commission isn’t ancient history—it’s our present calling.

As we look at these words from Jesus, we can break them down into four unique commands:

1. Go — Move with Gospel Intentionality

The original Greek word poreuō means more than casual movement—it implies a purposeful journey with a destination in mind. Jesus isn’t suggesting we wander; He’s commissioning us to move strategically toward those who need the Gospel.

We must understand that disciples don’t wait for the lost to find them—we actively pursue relationships where they live, work, and gather. “Go” doesn’t require a passport; sometimes it means crossing the street, bridging a cultural divide, or simply initiating a meaningful conversation with intention.

2. Make Disciples — Multiplication, Not Addition

Making disciples isn’t about filling seats or growing attendance; it’s about reproducing the life of Christ in others who will then reproduce it in others.

There is a difference between making converts and making disciples who make disciples who make disciples. Making disciples leads to multiplication. A convert receives truth; a disciple embodies and transmits it. Our goal isn’t to bring people to our gathering but to bring them into His Kingdom with the tools to expand it.

3. Baptize — Mark a New Kingdom Identity

Water baptism isn’t merely a religious ritual—it’s a dramatic public declaration of death to an old life and resurrection into a new one.

We celebrate baptism as the first bold step of obedience for new believers. It’s the moment someone proclaims, “I no longer belong to myself, my past, or this world’s system—I am fully His.” This act of courage often becomes a catalyst, inspiring others to take their own leap of faith.

Baptism creates witnesses. When someone goes public with their faith, it forces everyone around them to consider their own spiritual position.

4. Teach — Obedience-Based Discipleship

Jesus didn’t say “teach them what I commanded” but “teach them to observe (keep, guard, obey) all that I commanded.”

As disciples of Jesus, we must practice obedience-based discipleship—learning that leads to living. Every Scripture story comes with application opportunities, and every Biblical truth demands a response. We don’t just study the Bible; we obey it and teach others to do the same through our example and instruction.

The Promise Behind the Mission

Jesus concludes with profound assurance: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

This promise sustains us whether we’re in remote villages, bustling cities, or neighborhood coffee shops. Christ’s presence isn’t conditional on our success or dependent on our strength—it’s the foundation of our calling and the fuel for our courage.

You are never alone in this mission. The same Jesus who conquered death walks beside you as you make disciples.

The Great Commission isn’t a suggestion for the spiritually elite—it’s Jesus’ expectation for every follower. You have everything you need: His presence, His authority, and His Spirit. The question isn’t whether you’re qualified, but whether you’re willing.

Questions to consider:

• Do I think of sharing Jesus as a calling for a specific class of Christ followers or as a command that everybody who is in Christ must obey?
• Where has the Lord called me to go?
• Who are the people immediately around me that need Jesus?
• Do I understand that my role isn’t to convert people to a religion, but to make disciples of Jesus?
• Does baptism seem like a confusing ritual or a step of obedience for those who have placed their faith in Jesus?
• Is there anybody whom I can teach to obey Jesus’ commands?
• Am I currently discipling anybody?