In what has come to be known as “the great commission,” Jesus admonished the apostles: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . . ” (Matthew 28:19). In this passage, the phrase “make disciples” comes from the Greek word matheteusate. It is defined “to make a disciple; to teach, instruct” (Thayer). The passage could be literally translated “disciple all the nations.” To “disciple” and “make disciples” is essentially the same. The apostles of Jesus were given the responsibility to teach and instruct others for the ultimate purpose of making them followers of Jesus Christ. This is also to be the aim of biblical teaching and preaching today.
What does it mean to “disciple” others? It means to mold and fashion an individual into conformity with God’s standard as revealed through His word. In His own teaching, Jesus placed great emphasis on making disciples. If He were here today, what would He teach as the pattern of discipleship?
First, Jesus would teach that His disciples must seek a manner of living patterned after His own: “A disciple is not above his teacher . . . it is enough for a disciple that he become as his teacher” (Matthew 10:24-25a). A disciple of Christ must constantly examine his life and make appropriate correction. Of course, the objective of this correction is to conform oneself to the image of Christ. Jesus was dedicated to doing the will of God, he placed great emphasis upon aiding those in need, he was humble in spirit, and he acted with an attitude free from selfishness. The disciple of Jesus must become like the Savior in all these areas.
Second, Jesus would teach that His disciples should “abide” in His word: “If you abide in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine” (John 8:31). This is essential to becoming like Christ. It is through continuing in Jesus’ word that we develop character consistent with that of our Lord. This is why Christians are admonished to “long” for the word (1 Peter 2:2). Daily bible study must be a top priority. This study should be an intense effort to learn the “perfect law . . . of liberty” (James 1:25). Proper bible study seeks to discern God’s word with precision (2 Timothy 2:15).
Third, Jesus would teach that His disciples should possess a deep love for their brethren: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Division and contention plague Christianity. It seems that we have forgotten this simple test of discipleship. The actions of one disciple toward another will reveal whether or not he is a true disciple. The disciples’ love for his brethren should be without limit and free of hypocrisy (1 Peter 1:22). As we seek to increase in love for our brethren, we will be willing to give our lives for them demonstrating God’s own love working in us (1 John 3:16-17; 4:7-13). How many professing Christians in our time have the depth of love for their brethren demanded by God?
Finally, Jesus would teach His disciples that they must bear fruit in His kingdom: “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8). This is another sign of discipleship. In the parable of the sower, those hearing God’s word (i.e., the “seed”) preached are characterized as “soil.” Each Christian should strive to be “good soil.” Such is the one “who indeed bears fruit, and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty” (Matthew 13:23). A Christian not producing fruit in the vineyard of the Lord will not inherit eternal life; those bearing fruit will be “pruned” and thereby bear even more (John 15:2).
Have you truly become a disciple of Jesus Christ? Are you seeking to be Christ-like, consistently abiding in His word, deeply loving your brethren, and bearing fruit in your service to the Lord? Why not firmly resolve today to become a disciple of Jesus in the truest sense of the word!