In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commanded His eleven disciples to make disciples of all the nations while they were traveling along the earth. Even with miraculous evidence to support God’s new message, that’s quite the task for eleven people. Thankfully, these eleven did not have to work alone. Within His instructions to them, Jesus put in place a system that would exponentially increase their workforce. According to Jesus’ command, every new disciple becomes a disciple-maker.
When Jesus commanded the eleven to make disciples, He also told them how: by baptizing and teaching them. The baptism was by the authority of God. The teaching consisted of all Jesus commanded, including “make disciples.” By Jesus’ command, becoming a disciple means becoming a disciple-maker. He created a never-ending cycle where the first eleven disciples make new disciples, who make disciples, who also make disciples.
We see this plan enacted successfully in the early years of the church. For example, in Acts 8:1-4 all the disciples fled because of persecution, leaving only the apostles in Jerusalem. While the apostles continued their mission, all the disciples who fled “went about preaching the word,” fulfilling the cycle commanded by Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20.
Every Christian is capable of and responsible for sharing the gospel. The task is as simple as sharing the reason they live in such a constantly hopeful state (1 Peter 3:15). It is because of salvation in Jesus that every Christian looks forward to eternity (Titus 2:13). Talking about Jesus is not only for preachers and elders. When Jesus gave Himself on the cross, He expected every person to express gratitude for God’s grace (Luke 17:17). If you are a Christian, rejoice in the Lord and share your joy with every soul you meet. Let nothing stop you!