What Jesus Meant by 'Go and Make Disciples': A Deep Dive Into Matthew 28:19–20

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When Jesus gathered his disciples on that mountain in Galilee after his resurrection, he wasn't just saying goodbye. He was launching a movement that would transform the world. Matthew 28:19–20 records what we now call the Great Commission, which calls all believers to go and make disciples of every nation. 

This wasn't a suggestion or a nice idea for those who felt called. Jesus prefaced his command with "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." With that authority, he commissioned every follower to continue his work.

What Does Discipleship Mean?

Many Christians underestimate what Jesus actually asked us to do. When He said "go and make disciples," He wasn't talking about a single moment of conversion or prayer. He’s challenging us to invest deeply in others over months and years, which requires serious work and commitment.

What is discipleship in the Bible? It's about becoming more like Jesus through relationship and practice. What is a disciple? Someone who actively learns from and imitates their teacher in daily life.

Biblical discipleship involves walking alongside someone, showing them how to follow Jesus in every area of life. It's messy, personal, and requires genuine commitment from both parties.

The Three Actions: Going, Baptizing, and Teaching

The Great Commission includes three interconnected actions that work together:

  • Go: Cross boundaries (geographic, cultural, or social) to reach people wherever they are.

  • Baptize: Lead others to publicly identify with Christ and welcome them into the faith community.

  • Teach: Guide believers to obey everything Jesus commanded, focusing on life transformation rather than just sharing information.

The meaning of the Great Commission calls every believer to engage in this mission without exclusion. It challenges us to break down barriers and reach everyone, everywhere, with the life-changing message of the Gospel.

The Promise and Our Response Today

Jesus didn't leave us alone to figure this out. The final sentence of the Great Commission is a promise: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This reminds us that His presence is with us every step of the way.

So what does discipleship mean for us today? It means intentional relationships. It means modeling faith in real time. It means investing in others. Every believer is called to participate in spiritual multiplication, passing on what we've received to the next generation of followers.

About GO! Evangelism

GO! Evangelism Ministry is a champion of street evangelism. We have developed GO! Gospel Tracts in more than 50 languages to aid efforts in preaching eternal life and hope beyond the world's hardships. Consider becoming a street evangelist by using our GO! Gospel Tracts to preach to the masses in the open streets! Contact us or visit our website to learn more and get started with spreading the message of God effectively! You can also purchase our book GO! Evangelism: So Simple, Yet So Powerful Evangelism on Amazon!

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