Making Disciples

INTRODUCTION

Our subject today is “I need someone to show me.”

What a fitting passage in continuing with our theme is

the one found in Matthew 28:19-20. In this passage Jesus teaches His disciples what is at the heart of evangelism. He has already been teaching them how to catch men with the Gospel and now He shows them how to reproduce what you catch.

Someone said, “"Jesus, like any good fisherman, first catches his fish; then he cleans them." --Mark Potter

We many times, seek to first clean the fish and then catch them. In Matthew 28:19-20 tells them the process of both catching and cleaning fish. He says first you must realize:

It is to Occur Daily (v.19)

“Go therefore” (v.19)

1. The “therefore” refers back to verse 18

2. Jesus says that because “All authority has been given” to Him “in heaven and earth. Go therefore and make disciples.” (vv.18, 19).

3. The command in this verse is the verb “make

disciples” not the participle “go”

4. The participle “go” should be translated “As you are

going” – with reference to daily activity.

5. The command to make disciples is to be a natural

daily part of our lives.

It is to Include Everyone (v.19)

“Make disciples of all the nations”

C. T. Shedd, the renowned athlete and missionary, once

said, "Some wish to live within the sound of a church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell."

1. This command to “make disciples” is not limited.

2. We are to preach the Gospel to everyone.

Mark 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the

world and preach the gospel to every creature.

It Involves a Long Term Process (v.20)

“Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded

you.” (v.20)

1. “Making disciples” does not occur overnight.

2. It takes time and it takes persistence and patience!

Josh Billings illustrates persistence and patience with a philosophy, he calls, the postage stamp approach: "Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing until it gets there."

Paul was at Corinth for 3 months “reasoning and

persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God” (Acts 19:8). He was at Ephesus for 3 years declaring “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27, 31).

The Thessalonian’s are a good example of discipleship

(1 Thess.1)

Conclusion

1. Where are you at in terms of evangelism and

discipleship?

2. Are you willing to help someone see their need of

Jesus Christ and then teach them “all things that I have commanded you” (Mat.28:19).

George Bernard Shaw believed we should all be obliged to appear before a board every five years and justify our existence.

3. What do you exist for?