Jesus’s calling to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20 is for us who are His disciples today, as well. God’s mission is that all people would hear the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, put their faith in Him, and glorify God. 

As His children and followers, God calls us to partner with Him in that mission. We engage in this mission through evangelism and discipleship.

Evangelism is spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

It might be simply reading from the Bible. Maybe it’s by sharing your personal testimony — how you came to receive Him, how He has changed you and continues to work in your life. 

It could be with some sort of illustration, like the Would You Like to Know God Personally? booklet used by AIA.

Through our friendships and doing life with those who aren’t Christians, we have the opportunity to reflect Jesus with our actions and to share the gospel with them. As we’re present in their lives and know what they are walking through, we have the ability to speak the hope of Jesus to them.

In addition to evangelism, we multiply our faith and relationship with God through discipleship. 

Jesus tells His disciples to teach those they baptize to observe all that He has commanded them. That is discipleship. Passing on what we have learned from God and from Him through other Christians. 

Discipleship might happen with someone whom God has allowed us to see receive Christ after sharing the gospel with them, or it might be with a younger Christian who needs help growing in their faith that God calls us to come alongside.

Practically, it might be reading through the Bible, reading a book, modeling and teaching someone how to share his or her faith too, walking through principles of following Jesus, and most definitely praying together.

Prioritize genuine relationship and doing life together. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and show you how to lead the person God has given you to disciple.

God has blessed us with much to know Jesus personally and be His children. Let us share what God has graciously given and taught us with those He has put before us.

Reflect: Think through your team and find one person who doesn’t know God personally whom you can share the gospel with, then do it. Is there anyone younger in their faith than you whom God might be calling you to disciple?

A prayer to consider: Father God, I am humbled that You would not only give up Jesus to save me and bring me into relationship with You, but that You would further call me to work with You in seeing people come to know and glorify You. 

Show me those on my team who don’t know Jesus, and give me the courage to share the gospel with them in love. Give me wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit as I disciple others, teaching them to observe all that You have commanded me. In Jesus’ name and for Your glory I pray. Amen.