Anchor My Faith

Author: Stephen Weller
1,318 words, 7 minutes read time

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Go Make Disciples

¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)

 The disciples had gone to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. Jesus then came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18 – 20 ESV).

If one has read through Matthew, or any of the gospels, and learns about Jesus and then put their faith in his finished work on the cross and have been born spiritually, we then have a responsibility. Paul carefully lays this out in Ephesians 2:8 – 10 ESV: ⁸ “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

We are a new creature in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), created for good works, which God prepared before our salvation. These he expects us to do as laid out in our verses of study. As believers we are to “Go” and do the assigned work, not spend our life looking out for our own desired.

Jesus describes those good works as making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them. As believers we are to “Do [our] best to present [our self] to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 ESV). As we learn the gospel, we are to share it as God provides opportunity and as some come to salvation and are born spiritually, we are to teach them about God and his word and by example show them how to have a growing relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

To do the work God desires us to do, he has given us various gifts and abilities which results in different assignments for us at different times. For a period of time God had me in China as a missionary and now in my old age, my focus is in writing Bible studies and maintaining a Christian website as my means of teaching and sharing. Before China it was teaching in my church of membership and sharing the gospel wherever God led me.

As believers, we have been commissioned to be ambassadors for God, but the tendency is to put self first and then if there is any time or resource left, we will try to do some of the work assigned. The problem with this is that “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV). At that evaluation, how much work will you have completed? What do you suppose that experience will be like? God will not shame us, but we will have less reward.

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Summary Theme

The Great Commission: Making Disciples of All Nations Through the Authority and Presence of Christ

Summary Paragraph

Matthew 28:19–20 contains Jesus’ final command to His disciples before His ascension. Having declared that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him, Jesus commissions His followers to go into the world and make disciples of all nations. This disciple-making mission includes evangelism, baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and ongoing teaching of believers to obey all that Christ commanded. The passage reveals God’s heart for every people group and establishes the Church’s mission until the end of the age. Jesus concludes with a powerful promise that He will be with His people always, providing His presence, guidance, strength, and encouragement as they carry out His work.

Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:

1. What does Jesus mean when He commands His followers to “make disciples of all nations”?

Answer:
Jesus is calling His followers to do more than simply gain converts or increase church attendance. A disciple is a learner, follower, and devoted servant of Christ. Making disciples involves helping people come to faith in Jesus, grow in their understanding of God’s Word, and learn to obey Him in every area of life. The phrase “all nations” demonstrates that the gospel is for every ethnic group, culture, and people, not just one nation or race. This command reflects God’s plan from the beginning to bless all peoples through His redemptive work. Every believer participates in this mission through sharing the gospel, teaching Scripture, encouraging spiritual growth, and supporting the spread of God’s kingdom throughout the world.

2. Why does Jesus include baptism as part of the disciple-making process?

Answer:
Baptism is an outward declaration of an inward faith in Christ. It symbolizes identification with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection and publicly demonstrates a believer’s commitment to follow Him. Jesus connects baptism with discipleship because it marks the beginning of a new life in Christ and entrance into the community of believers. Baptism does not save a person, but it is an act of obedience that follows genuine faith. By commanding baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Jesus emphasizes the believer’s relationship with the triune God and the unity of the Godhead in the work of salvation.

3. What does Jesus mean when He says believers should teach others to obey all that He commanded?

Answer:
Christian discipleship involves more than gaining knowledge; it requires transformation and obedience. Jesus did not instruct His followers merely to teach information but to teach people to live according to His teachings. This includes loving God, loving others, forgiving, serving, showing compassion, living holy lives, and trusting God in all circumstances. Genuine discipleship produces spiritual growth and Christlike character. The goal is not simply understanding Scripture but applying it faithfully. As believers learn and obey God’s Word, they become mature disciples who can then help others grow in their faith.

4. What significance does the reference to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have in this passage?

Answer:
This verse provides one of the clearest biblical affirmations of the Trinity. Jesus places the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together under one singular “name,” demonstrating their unity while maintaining their distinct persons. The Trinity is central to the Christian faith because salvation itself is the work of the triune God. The Father planned redemption, the Son accomplished redemption through His death and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit applies redemption in the lives of believers. Baptism into this one name signifies belonging to God and entering a relationship with Him through Christ.

5. How does Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always,” encourage believers today?

Answer:
Jesus knew that His followers would face opposition, hardship, persecution, and moments of discouragement. His promise assures believers that they never serve Him alone. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, Christ remains with His people in every circumstance. His presence provides comfort during trials, wisdom during difficult decisions, strength during spiritual battles, and courage when sharing the gospel. This promise extends to all generations of believers until Christ returns. Because Jesus is always present, Christians can confidently fulfill His mission, knowing that He empowers and sustains them every step of the way.