Multiply I:2 - The Command to Make Disciples

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us also celebrate that the story doesn't end there.

In between the empty tomb and His ascension into Heaven, Jesus spent time with his disciples reminding them of all that He'd taught them through their time together and commissioning them to take the message outside of the boundaries of Jerusalem, of Israel, into the entire world.

This week's reading, Chapter 2 of Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples, reflects upon this command of Christ, and challenges us to look at the people around us with a deeper perspective.

As with the previous studies we have worked through together, anyone is welcome to join us at any time.  Though 7:30 AM comes early for many, the coffee and conversation is well worth the morning sacrifice.  I'd love to see you there!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part I - Living as a Disciple Maker: The Command to Make Disciples

1. Stop for a minute and read Matthew 28. Try to place yourself in the disciples’ shoes as they witnessed these things and heard these words from Jesus. How do you think you would have reacted?
2. Assess your church experience in light of Jesus’s command to make disciples. Would you say that your church is characterized by disciple making? Why or why not?
3. Have you identified yourself with Jesus through being baptized? If so, why do you think this was an important step for you to take? If not, what is holding you back from being baptized?
4. Would you say that you’re ready to commit yourself to studying the Scriptures and investing in the people around you? Why or why not?
5. What excuses tend to keep you from following Jesus’s command to make disciples? What do you need to do in order to move past these excuses?
6. Whom has God placed in your life right now that you can begin making into a disciple of Jesus Christ?
7. Whom has God placed in your life for you to partner with in making disciples?
8. Spend some time praying that God will make you into a committed and effective disciple maker. Confess any feelings of unpreparedness and insecurity. Ask Him to empower you for the ministry He is calling you to. Ask Him to lead you to the right people to partner with and the right people to begin discipling.

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.