COMMENTARY

Don Atkin

THE GREAT COMMISSION: PERSONAL DISCIPLESHIP

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. - Mt. 28:18-20

It is a mystery to me how we isolate the Great Commission from the life pattern of Jesus.  Luke begins Acts with the observation of all that Jesus began both to do and to teach.  This Commission was articulated in the midst of those whom He Himself had called as disciples.  They understood the model; they had lived the model.

Paul also understood the model.  It is recorded in Acts 19, that Paul came to Ephesus, and finding some disciples . . . there were about twelve in all.  They moved to a school facility when hardened hearts forced them out of the synagogue, and continued daily with them for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus.

For three years, Jesus focused upon twelve men.  For two years, Paul focused upon twelve men.  Those handfuls of disciples turned the then-known world upside down!

Today’s institutionalized response to the Great Commission is often limited to preaching to the masses from the safety and invulnerability of the pulpit, and adding another hour once a week by encouraging people to attend Sunday school.  This is obviously not getting the job done.

Lots of leaves could not hide the barrenness of the fig tree when Jesus inspected it for fruit.  The fruit that abides - the fruit that Jesus is looking for - is the multiplication of maturing and empowered workers for the field of the world! 

Fluff and fat are not getting the job done.  We need some Holy Spirit developed muscle in the body of Christ - men and women who are being brought to maturity because they have answered the call to discipleship, and are being thoroughly trained through the sacrificial service of elder brothers and sisters who love them and are laying down their lives for them - on a one-to-one level.

The earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. - Romans 8:19

My book, “Like Father, Like Son,” gives detailed guidance for discipling that is based upon Jesus’ model. It is available at www.DonAtkin.com.