What Does It Really Mean to Make Disciples?

What did Jesus really mean when He commanded His followers to make disciples? In this episode of FaithFuel, Bob Shaw explores the difference between producing results and investing in people. Looking at the full Great Commission, you'll discover that discipleship isn't about rushing people through a process—it's about faithfully helping them grow in their relationship with Christ, one step at a time. 

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Transcript

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Jesus told us to make disciples, but he didn't stop there. I'm Bob Shaw, and this is Faith Fuel. I had an interesting conversation with someone at church. Now this person loves the Lord, has incredible energy, involved in all kinds of ministries and community groups, a real passion for seeing people grow in their faith. And as we talked, they shared some frustration with people who didn't seem to be growing very quickly or stepping up to serve. And it hit me how easy it is for all of us, including me, to expect other people to grow the way we would grow. And when they don't, we can become discouraged. The reality is some people jump in with both feet. Others take a little more time. Some naturally gravitate toward leadership. Others are content serving faithfully behind the scenes. That doesn't necessarily mean one person loves Jesus more than the other. It just means God didn't make us all the same. That conversation brought me back to the Great Commission. We remember the first part in Matthew twenty eight nineteen, go therefore and make disciples. But wait, there's more. Jesus said, 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. There's a progression there. We go, people place their faith in Christ and are baptized. Then comes the lifelong process of learning to follow Jesus. That last part takes time. You can't force spiritual growth. You can't manufacture maturity. You can only faithfully walk alongside people as God does his work in their lives. When I read the Gospels, I don't see Jesus rushing the process. I see him investing in people. He spent three years with the same twelve men. He taught them, answered their questions, corrected and encouraged them. Sometimes they understood exactly what he was saying. Sometimes they completely missed it. Jesus didn't throw up his hands and move on to twelve new people. He stayed with them. My wife and I lead a marriage group at church. Some of those couples could eventually become leaders themselves. We'd love to see that happen. But that's not our primary goal. Our goal is to help those couples build the strongest marriages they can under God's guidance and continue growing in their relationship with Christ. If God raises up future leaders along the way, that's wonderful. But healthy leaders grow out of healthy disciples. That's why we keep our focus on helping people follow Jesus. Lord, thank you for the people you've placed in our lives. Help us encourage them without comparing them, love them without pressuring them, and faithfully point them toward you. Give us the patience to trust your work in their lives, and remember that you're the one who brings growth. In Jesus' name. Amen. You don't have to influence hundreds of people to make a difference. Sometimes God does his greatest work one relationship at a time. If Faith Fuel has been an encouragement to you, be sure to follow the podcast. There are new devotionals every weekday, and I'd love to have you join me for the next one. I'm Bob Shaw. Peace and joy.