Matthew 28:16-20 16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore[a] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen
SOAP – Matthew 28:19-20
Christians are called to make disciples. We make disciples by helping new believers grow in their relationship with the Lord. This requires establishing deep and meaningful relationships with those who hunger for more of God. Making disciples involves a sacrifice of time and energy. Although this sacrifice seems great, believers also have God’s great promise… the promise of Jesus’ presence with us always until the end of the age.
With whom are you sharing your knowledge of the Lord? Even if you don’t believe you have strong Bible knowledge, you are still able to share the things you do know. You can encourage and pray for others. You can fellowship with other believers. You can participate in a church or community Bible study. Let nothing stop you from sharing your love for Christ.
Father God, I thank You for Your continued presence in my life. I thank You for the people that You encouraged to lead and teach me. I pray that I am given many opportunities to speak to the lost and to share Your hope without fear, doubt, or hesitation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. Ill be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:18-20 MSG
I’m sharing my thoughts here because today’s study struck me on many levels. A disciple is someone who is learning, and as I learn I am also instructed to teach. Go implies a beginning, begin now. Teach the people. Teach your people. Go is a command, working FOR Jesus and yet even more so working WITH Jesus. He promises to be with us always. Every step. Every moment of our day. We work for him and yet he works right beside us. This is the ultimate example of leadership. No matter what I do or where I am Jesus is with me. When I am at work I am leading people and Jesus is right beside me. This life is more than our job. And yet I realize the importance of my job and what I have been given to do. I am learning that who I am is rooted in who God made me to be no matter if I am at work or in church, I am God’s and He is mine. Because of this I need to communicate my story. As God reveals and leads me to do so, my testimony will teach how Jesus has saved me from hopelessness and death. He has taught me how to live and I must teach others. Sometimes if only by the example as I live it out in front of people. Jesus does not command us to be perfect but to follow Him.
Lord Jesus, thank you for being my teacher and for showing me how to live. Following you helps me to be a better leader in all of my roles-as a disciple, wife, daughter, friend, and manager at work. Help me to live better, in your way, in all aspects of my life. In your precious name amen.