The mission of every believer

Our overarching theme at St Luke’s in 2020 is making disciples.


Matthew 28:19 has come to be known as The Great Commission - the mission of every believer, the mission of the church.   “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,”


This is the assignment given to us by Jesus, however you will note that the punctuation is a comma, not a full stop.  There is more!  Jesus didn’t leave it at ‘make converts’ he went on to say in V20 “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 


By doing so Jesus assures us of his continual presence as we obey his command and, just as importantly, he told us how to do fulfil his command.  So, How are we to make disciples?  By baptising them and teaching them to obey.  So there are two parts to what Jesus is asking us to do:
1: Share our faith - evangelising/making converts
2: Intentionally help others to engage in, grow in and live out their faith. - teaching them to obey


As Christians - as disciples of Jesus this is our mission!

We don’t have to become street preachers; Jesus walked along with his disciples and taught them as He went.   He shared the Good News at every opportunity, and then as people came to faith, he taught through everyday process - the familiar, such as water, wheat, and even fish to teach Kingdom lessons to those who followed Him.  He gives each of us common things every day that are opportunities to teach those around us.  Are we willing to take the opportunities He gives us, regardless of where we live, to advance the Kingdom and make disciple makers?


Why should we do it

• Because Jesus expects it
• Because true disciples can’t help it
• Because it generates energy for mission
• Because it transforms the church
• Because it transforms lives
  

“’Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…’ That is the command. That is the call. That is the priority of the people of God.  And as disciples everything we do should reflect it!


To His glory alone
Jen