Despite fears, doubts, and questions that arise when we think about discipleship, Jesus’ method of “how to do discipleship” is very simple and achievable.
Text: Matthew 28:20a
…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
There is grace in the freedoms we have as to how we apply Jesus discipleship instructions. We have Jesus’ authority to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ anywhere, anytime, and to anyone, just as Jesus did. Explaining the gospel and calling people to repentant belief in Christ as Lord and Saviour is just the first step (Mat 4:17; Jn 1:12-13; Act 20:20-21; Rom 10:10).
We can explore different methods and use different illustrations and examples to help. We can do this privately or in large crowds, in Church or any other location. We explain faith in Christ to family members, to fellow employees, to other students, to Church attendees, or to strangers that we meet on life’s road. There is no fixed method. Call people to follow Christ, denying self and taking up Jesus’ cross (Mk 8:34).
Never feel bad for trying new ideas, new places and new methods for sharing the gospel. Be courageous.
There is a simple principle in Matthew 28:20a which gives us a big head start. Teach the gospel truth that you were taught. That is all Jesus required of his disciples in Matthew 28. Explain Jesus as you had Him explained to you. Answer the questions you had before you put faith in Christ. Teach the gospel in ways you needed to hear when you were dead in your sin (Eph 2:1-2). Call people to serious and deep faith in Christ.
The good news about this method is that you can improve on how the gospel was shared with you by filling in the weak or missing pieces of information. Use God’s Word to sow the seeds of truth (Luk 8:11). Invite questions from the unsaved. If you do not know the answer, say you will come back with an answer when you have learned it. This builds humility in you, and trust from the unbeliever. Do your best to answer with biblically correct answers even when you may not be quoting verses. Ask for help if needed, that is OK.
Be loving, patient, and friendly. Smile, LISTEN well, and prove that you are worthy of their trust as you point sinners to Christ (Jn 13:35).
