What does it look like to really follow Jesus? What is expected of us? Is it just a profession of faith, or does it require anything else?
These are questions I am asked all the time. Some teach that to be saved, all you have to do is make a statement of faith. But if that is so, what did Jesus mean when He gave us this Great Commission below?
Matthew 28:18-20: 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 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.”
Here is what it looks like to follow Jesus from the words of Jesus Himself.
- Follow Jesus- The first step is simple, but most important. Jesus is in charge. He is the one we are to follow. Not, anyone or anything else. “I have been given authority in heaven and on earth.” In other words, He is in charge.
- Follow- Actually follow. Then implies movement. Or as Jesus commanded, “Go.” You must be moving to obey this command. You can’t stay where you are and follow Jesus.
- Make disciples- Jesus had spent three years showing His disciples what a life completely dependent upon a Heavenly Father looked like. Now He is saying to His disciples, go and do the same thing.
- Make disciples of all nations– This means that we are to cross cultural barriers and get out of our comfort zone and embrace people that may not look like you.
- Follow through with Water Baptism- Why Baptism? This gives people the opportunity to declare publicly that they are followers of Christ.
- Teach new disciples to go and make disciples- Jesus taught His disciples to go and make disciples, who would then go and make disciples. This pattern is expected to be repeated until the whole world knows.
- Be confident that Jesus is with you- Jesus promises that he will be with us to the very end. You will never be alone in this process of making disciples.
Now, go tell someone how Jesus has changed your life.