Our calling to follow Jesus is not just a calling to salvation, but also a calling to join God in His great redemptive work.
Peter and Andrew heard this call:
Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (Matthew 4:19, NLT)
To one degree or another, each Christian receives a similar call. This calling for all the disciples of Jesus is found in Matthew 28:18–20, the passage of Scripture we often call the Great Commission:
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (NLT)
The question that many of us who follow Jesus ask is: “What is my responsibility in carrying out the Great Commission?”
Here are five practical ways we can participate:
1. We love one another.
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35, NLT)
According to Jesus, the way we treat and serve other Christians shows the world what it means to follow Him. Most people are practical, and what they are looking for is whether or not something works. Our love for each other demonstrates that following Jesus is better than living in the hostility and rejection of the world.
2. We pray.
“And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.” (Ephesians 6:19, NLT)
The apostle Paul asked for prayers to speak boldly about the Gospel. We may not always have the opportunities to share the Gospel directly, but we can pray for those who do. Through prayer, we join together in making disciples of all nations.
3. We use Scripture.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Timothy 3:16, NLT)
The Bible is one of the ways God equips us to carry out the Great Commission. It isn’t up to us to convince people of the truth of the Gospel—Scripture and the Holy Spirit work together to bring conviction. Our role is to share Scripture with others in a way that is gentle, respectful, and full of grace.
4. We live faithfully.
“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Peter 3:15, NLT)
By living a faithful life—recognizing Jesus as Lord—we demonstrate a hope that cannot be shaken. That hope will set us apart and lead people to ask about the source of our confidence. When they do, we have the opportunity to point them to Jesus. Never underestimate the power of a faithful life.
5. We use our gifts.
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10, NLT)
Another way God equips us to participate in the task of making disciples is by blessing us with unique talents and resources. These are not given just for ourselves, but to serve others and point them to Christ. Being faithful with our gifts is one way we partner with God in His mission.
The Great Commission is a task that is bigger than any one person, but it is not beyond the reach of any one believer. God has invited each of us to take part in His mission. Whether through love, prayer, Scripture, faithful living, or using our gifts, we all have a role to play.
You are an important part of the work God is doing in the world. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—find a way you can contribute today, and do it.
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