MAKE DISCIPLES

MAKE DISCIPLES

 

Jesus Christ left His followers a daunting charge when He said, “MAKE DISCIPLES of all the nations” (Mtt28:19)

Since Jesus Christ IS THE WORD, He seems to strategically use “mathēteusate” here in this statement (the only time written in the Bible) to illustriously paint the panorama of meaning behind the command.

 

The core concept behind “mathēteusate” is found in its root “math”:

the "mental effort needed

to think something through”

DIFFERENTLY…

…AFTER being instructed in THE TRUTH.

 

WAIT… WHO IS THE TRUTH?

 

                Jn14:6NKJV “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the life.”

 

Rather than an outside force trying to convince, impart academic knowledge, or coerce conversion…  mathēteusate is an extension of a verb that implies a certain model:

a lifelong, transformational apprenticeship and intimate relationship with THE LIVING TRUTH… transfiguring their way of thinking and conforming that person into the likeness and image… the speech and action… the character and nature… the fulness and stature of THE MASTER…

                …so that AS HE IS

                                So are they in this world! (1Jn4:17)

 

So… in this mandate… are we to give them WHAT we know... or WHOM?

 

 

Jn17:17NASB “Sanctify them in THE TRUTH;

YOUR WORD IS TRUTH.”

 

THE WORD OF GOD… the logos – the very thought, intent, purpose and meaning BEHIND what is spoken…

                …HE IS TRUTH!

 

 

We simply help them see that relationship that HE INITIATED AND SUSTAINS.

 

 

Disciples are never formed by principles and doctrine...

but, rather, transformed by the Spirit and nature of Christ... being conformed into HIS IMAGE. 

 

 

WE are not discipling ANYONE.

 

 

The hardest part is letting OUR alabaster box be crushed to pieces - that thing WE hold as so valuable and precious: our dignity, our knowledge, our gift, our anointing... our desire, ambition, and goal... our soul... our life...

…So that someone else can see Christ Jesus and live. 

 

 

When Christ says, "FEED MY SHEEP" it doesn't mean YOU give them something to eat.

 

It means help them find the pasture in which they are to feed at this season.

 

·         In what pasture and source of nutrition is Christ, THE Chief Shepherd, making them to lie down?

·         What still waters is HE leading them beside?

·         How is HE restoring THEIR soul? (Ps23)

 

 

Paul emphasizes in 1Cor2:4KJV “…my speech and my preaching was not with enticing (attempting to convince) words of man's wisdom, but in DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT AND OF POWER”

 

 

They desire to EXPERIENCE HIM…

…not know more ABOUT Him.

 

 

Their cry: "Sir, we would see Jesus" (Jn12;21KJV)

 

Unto HIM we MAKE DISCIPLES.