I believe that just before Jesus left this earth to return to Heaven that He gave us a very specific mandate. He told His disciples who were there to go and make disciples of all nations. (See Matthew 28:18-20). And I believe they did just that, and now we as Christians are a product of this Great Commission!
Now the job has been entrusted to you and I. If we are a follower of Jesus, then we are to also make disciples of all nations!
Where? – when Jesus said “all nations”, I believe He meant for us to populate the whole earth and share the Good News! Did He mean we had to do it all ourselves? No I don’t think so. I believe we should share the Good News and make disciples as we go. Acts 1:8 says to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. In today’s terminology that would be our community, region of our country, country and of course the whole earth.
Oh my – do I have to witness in all of those places? I believe the correct interpretation would be “as you go” into these locations make disciples.
As I am in my community, with my family and my friends – make disciples.
As I am in my region (East Tennessee for me) – make disciples.
As I am in North America – make disciples. As I am in other countries – make disciples.
Here is my definition of a disciple.
Disciple – a student of Jesus who increasingly loves God and others, and helps others do the same.
Student – someone who studies; a person who takes an interest in a particular subject; someone who constantly learns more
Love God – Bible study, prayer, worship, praise, listen, obey
Love others – believers and non-believers (by being humble, patient, kind, forgiving, and serving)
Help others – instruct, mentor, be a friend, invite to church, spend time with, share the Gospel, help where possible, point to Jesus, disciple others