There are two passages that remind disciples of the importance of an ongoing relationship with and lifelong learning from Jesus: Matthew 28:19-20 and John 13:34-35. Let’s look at the passages to see and do what Jesus commands.
Obey My Commands
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 everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20, CSB
In the Great Commission, Jesus commands us to make disciples by leading them to saving relationships with Him and teaching them to obey everything He commanded. In order to teach His commands to others, that means we are to know, model, and communicate His commands. To know His commands, we must spend time examining Jesus’ life, teaching, and example.
This requires knowing Him personally plus a fresh daily encounter with Him in the Word. Then we literally are able to teach disciples to obey out of the overflow of that relationship. Everything that happens becomes a teachable moment. Encouraging obedience and disciple-making is the purpose of my book, Disciple-Making Encounters.
Love One Another
I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35, CSB
I want you to notice how all this started. He loved us first (as I have loved you). This is one of the commands that Jesus in the Great Commission expects us to observe…to live, to obey. In John 14:15 (CSB), Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” Love for Him is the reason for our obedience.
When we love each other like Jesus loved us, everyone will know we are His disciples. How does that work? His love is uniquely different and attractive. His love practiced by us with each other causes others to ask why. It is our opportunity to point to Jesus.
At the same time, when we practice His love with each other, His love becomes our natural response to life. Others are able to see His love in us in our homes, at work, at school, and in the marketplace. Chess and sports coaches will tell you that practice does not make perfect. Practice makes permanent. Instead, right practice makes perfect. That is so true of Jesus’ love. And Sunday School, small groups, and discipling relationships are great places for the right practice of His love. Care for God, each other, and others is the purpose of my book, Caring: Caring for Members and Friends in Sunday School and Bible Study Groups.
Love Him + Love One Another + Teaching Them to Obey = Making Disciples
When we combine these three, we are able to make disciples of all nations. Anything less, and we fail. What are you doing with your group to lead them to recognize, accept, and live out His love? What are you doing to help your group to love one another (when you gather and when you are dispersed)? How are you teaching them to obey His teachings out of the overflow of His love?
As you prepare this week’s Bible study, pause to consider these questions and look for ways to help the sheep in your care to make spiritual progress. Make disciples. Be revolutionary!
Preorder a copy of my new book, Caring: Caring for Members and Friends in Sunday School and Bible Study Groups (release date: March 1, 2024).
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