30/07/2021
Many of us have often heard of the great commission given in Matthew 28:18, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” But how many of us have ever stopped to consider if we ourselves are living as disciples of Jesus?
Being a disciple is not about checking off items on a “good christian” to-do list. Nor is it about legalism and striving to be a good person in fear of letting God down. So what is a disciple? The Greek word for disciple, mathētēs, means learner. In short, we are studying Jesus and learning who He is, how He lived, and what He commanded. The goal of a disciple isn’t simply to learn more about a person, but to become like that person in every way possible. And while we are not transformed by our own strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit, it is our privilege and responsibility to seek knowing Jesus more.
But here’s the deal, that’s not always easy to do. We live in a world where everything is constantly competing for our full attention. Work, kids, bills, soccer games, band concerts, vacations, and a never-ending to-do list, just to name a few. We’ve all been guilty of being too busy or too tired to spend time with Jesus. It can get very discouraging when you really do want to know Him more and you do want to live as a true disciple.
The hard truth is that following Jesus isn’t always comfortable and easy. It can be downright hard sometimes. Following Him requires a daily sacrifice of our desires, schedules, and comforts. Jesus puts it this way, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it” (Luke 9:23).
Now here’s the good news: at the end of the great commission Jesus left us with greatest encouragement, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). In our struggles, He is with us. In our failures, He is with us. When we’re on our knees crying out in hurt and anger and sadness, He is with us. He has never left our side.
So if you’re like me, and you recognize that Jesus hasn’t been the first love of your life, your greatest priority, or the desire of your heart, I want you to know this: you’re never out of His reach. All it takes is one heartfelt prayer and a few minutes of devoted time in the word to meet with Him today. Let’s become disciples of Jesus so that we can go and make disciple of Jesus. Because once you know Him and experience His love, it changes everything. - Cara ❤️
