Following Jesus’ Example
In the last few verses of Matthew 9, we read about the great compassion Jesus had for the crowds he encountered as he walked through the towns and villages of Galilee. I suggested that if we want to be more like Jesus, then we should do the things he did. In this passage, there are at least six: Jesus went, Jesus taught, Jesus healed, Jesus saw, Jesus had compassion, and Jesus prayed.
If we turn the pages of our Bibles to the end of Matthew’s Gospel, we see the ultimate fulfillment of Jesus’ ministry. He continued to do these things, and after his resurrection, he instructed his disciples to do the same.
Jesus went to Jerusalem and endured the questions of his enemies and their torment, even giving his life on the cross so that we might be forgiven and made alive in his name. Jesus taught both before and after his death, burial, and resurrection. He revealed his resurrected body several times to his disciples and others.
Jesus gave very specific instructions to his disciples at the end of Matthew’s Gospel when he said:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 that I have commanded you.”
Just as Jesus went, he instructed us to go as well—and specifically, to go and make disciples. Some commentaries debate whether the command is specifically “go” or whether the emphasis is on making disciples “as you go.” Rather than debate that point, I think it is clear that we are to make disciples. The text doesn’t suggest that we are to go only to certain places and not others. Wherever we go, there will be opportunities to follow this instruction. Jesus was clear that our discipleship spans every culture and every nation.
When we turn to the book of Acts, we read that the disciples took this instruction to heart. When the Holy Spirit came upon them in Acts 2, they began proclaiming the gospel and ministering in the name of Jesus. As they did, they saw those in need and had compassion on them. The work of the church is to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Everything we do in the process of making disciples must be bathed in prayer and compelled by the love of Christ.
Father, as we read the words of Jesus, we confess that there have been many times when we have been lazy in our discipleship. Holy Spirit, open our hearts to see every person you place in our path so that we might exhibit the love of Christ to them through our words and deeds. Our desire is to be obedient in making disciples. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Matthew 28: 16-20; Acts 1:3-4, 6-8 ESV
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