Jesus in Matthew 28 gives the disciples, including the apostles, prior to his ascension what we call the great commission. And whilst many would agree the great commission to make disciples of all nations is just as vital today as when Christ spoke these words, the question remains, how do we make disciples today?
With what seems to be endless bad media of church leaders and pastors who have betrayed the trust of our youths and led them on a path of deception through both sexual, physical and emotional assault. One can wonder if discipleship of believers into the kingdom of God will ever be the same. And certainly if we take into account of the thousands of young people who have been dismayed and scared for life through these ungodly acts its fair to say it can never be the same.
Yet if we examine scripture, we know that though times and people change, God's desire to reach the lost and begin this glorious relationship with all creation remains as strong as ever. In Jesus' time, there was a greater cultural understanding of discipleship then we in the western world have ever truly understood. In fact it was considered a normal and natural transition from childhood into adulthood that a young person would seek out another mature and wise leader to give guidance and to train them in the ways and attitudes of our God.
Most young boys, usually from the age of 12 or 13 years would seek out a Rabbi, that is a teacher, who could train them not only in the scriptures (Torah) but also in the heart of God towards his creation. The boys would spend several years both living with and away from the Rabbi at times until the written and the spoken word was inscribed on the heart of the young man.
In the same way, young girls were taken into the home by the mother to learn not just basic house skills, but also the attitudes and motivations of a godly mother and wife. Woman in Jesus' time not only took care of basic household needs such as cooking and cleaning but were responsible for every aspect of the home and decisions surrounding it.
After both boys and girls had reached maturity they would return to their homes to help the father with his farmer duties or the mother with hers until they inturn would begin married lives and repeat the whole process with their own children. During this time with their parents they were once again grounded in the roles of the father or the mother of the household.
When we examine this culture of discipleship, it is very hard to imagine a similar practice in our western world and especially not in our 21st century. How then should we make disciples? Scientist tell us that our days and predominantly broken up into 3 periods of time, that is time to sleep, time to work/learn and finally time to rest/play. Whilst these periods may vary somewhat depending on your circumstances it is fair to say that most of us spend our waking hours either at work or school and at rest or play. For most primary and high school children this time at school will vary from 6 to 9 hours depending on your commuting needs. Those working spend anywhere from 8 to 15 hours per day depending on commuting needs, it is therefore no wonder that most people by the end of their day have little or no interest in being discipled let alone making disciples for themselves.
What then is the answer? Some have argued that discipleship needs to take place during our rest times whilst visiting our local churches or youth groups. And for many years I would agree that this is a natural and normal way of viewing things. Yet when we consider the average youth or adult church services run for a period of 2 hours or less it is unlikely nor possible for one youth leader or pastor to achieve this by himself. Nor do I believe the great commission was given to a select few but to the whole body of Christ. Discipleship must therefore take place by all at times and places that are practical and possible for all involved.
There are however a number of professions which I believe have a golden opportunity in which to make disciples. First and fore mostly are those who are employed to teach or train. Teachers have at their disposal hours each day to share their lives with those young students around them. And though once again, the average class of students can be up to 30 students in public schools, these teachers will see their students multiple times throughout the week. A great deal more than any pastor or youth leader may do.
Naturally, there are many other professions which have a great impact and potential to make disciples and I do not wish to take from any of them. This example simply serves as a purpose to help us think out of our church minded boxes we live in and see the potential of utilising the roles more than what we first thought.
Making disciples however will come to no effect if we have not love as Paul the apostles so blatantly pointed out to the church in Corinth. Quoting that there works would be as a clanging cymbal or resounding gong if we have not love. Paul goes on to say in 2 Corinthians "the love of God compels us". Hence we can have the greatest opportunity or even programs for making disciples that ever existed, but if we have not love they are a waste of time. Why then is love so important?
When we think of this kind of love we are not referring to the love of a friend which we call Phileo love, nor is it the kind of love that family members have for one another known as Storge love. It is naturally not the lust driven kind of love we see in Eros but it is the kind of love that God demonstrates for us even whilst we were yet sinners. That is His Agape love which is sacrificial. Luke tells us it is this agape love which daily denies itself, takes up it's cross and follows Christ. Just as Christ denied himself to serve to the needs of others, so too are we called to follow in Christ's example to lay down our lives for others.
Not only in the making of disciples, but all good works we do in Christ's name are called to be done out of a heart of love for Christ and others. When love for others is our motivation, then whatever we do will result in good fruit and even fruit that remains. There is one remaining aspect that we must take into account. The Holy Spirit was sent as the helper to ensure that all we decide to do with our time and efforts results in bearing not just fruit but spiritual fruit that remains. Be led by the Holy Spirit, let love be your motivation and let your works exemplify Christ offering for all of mankind.
God Bless
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