Becoming Disciples and Influencers – The Great Commission

In recent years, “followers” and “influencers” have become common terms worldwide. Some have gained millions of followers through dedication, while others have become instant sensations from viral posts or videos. Make Disciples of all nations was the great commission given by Chrsit Jesus before his ascension from the world. The word disciple means followers and learners.

You cannot make someone a disciple unless you are one. From early on in life we learn from observing others. A child learns to speak by just watching others. We learn a lot about others through our interaction with others. My friend Jim in his mid-eighties has a wonderful ministry of taking care of homeless individuals in the area. He takes them for doctors visits, helps them with their documentation, gets them resources, and on the weekend when the soup kitchens are closed gets them meals. One thing he told me really impressed me. Even in his ripe old years, he is learning a lot about himself through his interactions with all those individuals. This is remarkable. We hear many say it is hard to change once you get past a certain age. Not true. Jim is in the business of making disciples. But He couldn’t have unless he himself is one.

The great commission begins with “All authority in earth and heaven has been given to me…”

This verse declares the divinity of Jesus Christ and emphasizes his power to carry out redemptive work, including offering salvation, forgiveness, and new life to those who trust in him. Jesus is worthy of being followed, full of authority and love, and his power is saving rather than corrupting. The path to discipleship begins by coming to Jesus, following him, and receiving his guidance, care, teachings, comfort, and love.

Are you not a follower of Christ yet? What are you waiting for?

If you follow, you are already influencing the world. Followers of Jesus Christ naturally become disciple-makers, loving and obeying His commandments. Their words and actions are powerful, making them effective teachers and influencers.

People are watching others intently – your words, actions, intentions (though not always evident to others), attitudes are speaking to others much higher way than we can think or imagine. It may not be always obvious to us how much we are influencing others. That’s why God has put us in a role of His disciples to reach out to others whoever or wherever they are. No one can do it right unless we do under His authority. And then you see how much of an influence you will make to those around you. Be prepared because most times these are simple every day opportunities. And He is with us always!

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
- Matthew 28: 18 -20

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