Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)
Jesus’ defining attribute is love… not a mushy, gushy, touchy-feely kinda love… but rather a love that was demonstrated through sacrifice, surrender, servant hood, and unaltered dedication. His love is one that compelled Him to touch the diseased, outcast, condemned, possessed. This love drove Him to places of scorn and ridicule from the religious leaders; to be dining with tax collectors and sinners, drinking with a woman of many husbands, loving lepers, freeing the demon-possessed. This love is a radical love, that does not bend to the wisdom and practicality of mankind, does not seek human understanding, logic, or approval! Jesus, as the epitome of genuine love, modeled for His disciples and followers how we too should live and love!
Make Disciples!! Jesus’ parting words and final call to His disciples and followers before ascending to heaven were with this focus! ‘See how I have lived, walked, loved! Now go and be this same love and light to a hurting and needy world! And remember, I am with you always, never leaving nor forsaking you!!’
Are we making disciples? Are we living out the love, light, and truth of Jesus each moment, each day, and in each place we walk, move, and live? To make disciples is to genuinely love people for who they are; not trying to change them but trusting God to not leave them (nor us) as they are! Let us truly love others with God’s love by making disciples, and by so doing we will each grow more into the image and person that better reflects Jesus Christ!
