What Discipleship Looks Like Matthew 28:18-20 We have been in our series Planted for the past three weeks with the exception of our visit from Scot Hinkle last week (who brought an awesome word). We have talked about being planted, rooted and fruitful in the house of God all of which lead us to the ultimate purpose Jesus called us as His church to accomplish, Go into all the world and make disciples. He didn t say Preach for decisions, make converts, or build ministries In our text, Jesus had risen from the dead and had revealed Himself to the disciples numerous times, but this time, is different. He had not come to fellowship, He was not trying to convince those still in unbelief, but He is about to give specific instructions that would definitively change their future and the future of the entire human race. He communicates what we call, the Great Commission. Commission: (noun) an instruction, command, or duty given to a person or group of people: an order for something, esp. a work of art, to be produced the authority to perform a task or certain duties. (archaic) (Verb): order or authorization to do or produce something; to bring something newly produced, into working condition The first thing to notice here is His opening statement in verse 18 which establishes the position from which Jesus is about to speak. He said, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and in earth. This is huge! The word Authority is the NT word is exousia, meaning rightful, actual and unimpeded power to act, possess, or control. (exousia signifies power that is in some sense lawful. The only rightful power within creation is, ultimately, God s, because all authority is ultimately finds its source and power in Him.) So Jesus is speaking from the position of His God given authority over all creation when He says, Go therefore and make disciples of all nations It is also interesting to note in the original language, this is not an option or a suggestion; if you have time to get around to it when you have nothing else better to do! It was spoken as a direct command. This is where most believers begin to get uncomfortable. We start saying things like, Well, that was for the NT followers, or maybe those called into fulltime ministry, but He certainly wasn t talking to me! I mean I m a Christian and everything, but I m just not called to that! 1
Nothing could be farther from the truth. This was not spoken to NT followers or professional clergy only, but to every person who has come to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. So, if we are truly lovers and followers of Jesus, then we are called to make disciples. This can seem pretty intimidating but Jesus would never command us to do something without giving us the power to accomplish. As born-again, Spirit filled people, we have been authorized and equipped by the one who has ultimate authority over all things to go and make disciples. Matthew 28:18 20 (MSG) Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: God authorized and commanded me to commission you: 19 Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 20 Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age. So, What is a disciple and what does a disciple really look like? The answer is simple. A disciple is a follower of Jesus Christ. One who patterns his life after Jesus, living in total obedience to the things Jesus has said. There are many who profess to believe but are not Jesus disciples. The Apostle James tells us even the devils believe in Jesus, but they are not His disciples, they do not follow Him. The call of a disciple is to follow Christ, obey Christ and ultimately, become like Christ. He was the firstborn among many brethren and we are adopted Sons, co-heirs with Christ. Therefore we enjoy the privileges of son-ship and we also share in its responsibilities. Remember, we have been called to go forth and multiply So what does discipleship really look like? I. IT LOOKS LIKE LOVE John 13:34 35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. 1 John 4:9 11 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. A. Jesus words recorded by the apostle John are the first indication of what a disciple will look like and be known by. 1. Disciples are not known by outward appearance, their manner of worship or denominational affiliation, stickers on their cars, but by love. 2
2. A real genuine love as we find described by the Apostle Paul. 1 Corinthians 13:4 7 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. B. Some how we have gotten to the place where we can call ourselves Christians, profess to believe, but live and behave nothing like what the scriptures describe the Christian life to be. 1. Sadly, we don t have to look very far to see the damage done by those who profess to be His, but deny Him by their manner of life. C. True followers of Christ are known by their love. Their passionate love for Jesus and His Word, and their unselfish love for others. 1. A true disciple loves. It is love that our world desperately needs. (the Beatles got it right on that one) 2. The rich, poor, the lovely and the broken of this world need to know the power of Christ s redeeming love and we are the ones called to share it with them. D. We will never be able to meet the needs of every person in our city/county. We may not be among the most educated, gifted, talented or wealthy, but we can love. 1. We can look beyond our differences, prejudice and fears and love as we have been loved by Jesus Christ. 2. Mother Teresa also said: It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving. If you can t feed a hundred people, then feed just one. 1 John 3:17 But whoever has this world s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? E. The true disciples of Jesus are known by their love. God has called us to this city, to this county to make a difference and we can do it by our love! II. IT LOOKS LIKE A SERVANT Philippians 2:5 8 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. A. Jesus left the glory of heaven and came to earth to fulfill the mission of redemption. 1. To accomplish this, he clothed Himself with human flesh and experienced everything you and I face within the context of our daily lives. 3
2. He has dealt with all the struggles and trials and the emotional rollercoaster of human existence. He knew cold, suffered hunger, rejection and abuse. 3. He who was God, humbled Himself so that He could identify with every fear, doubt and insecurity we all deal with. Wow, what Savior! 4. And if suffering a human birth were not enough, He took on the form of a bondservant; one who was bound in permanent servitude to another, and total obedience, humbled Himself to death on the cross serving the will of His Father. B. This is important to understand because if we are to see what discipleship looks like, we must have an example, and Jesus is our perfect example of a servant. 1. Paul gives us a summary in Philippians and then John chapter 13 gives us the practical example. The bond-slave of the Father is the servant of fallen man. John 13:3 5 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 2. Then Jesus explains what He has just done: John 13:12 15 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. C. So a true disciple looks like his master, a servant. His weapon to win the hearts of lost and make disciples of all nations is a basin and towel! 1. I know it s not as glamorous as you might have expected but that is the example Jesus left for us to follow. 2. Here is the good news: by serving others we open up our lives to be conduits of God s love, forgiveness and saving grace. 3. God uses people filled with His life, overflowing with His love, to reach other people who need to know Him. D. Perhaps you re thinking, That s great pastor, but what can I do? The first thing we need to do is identify our serve! In other words, whatever awakens your heart and moves you to respond to certain needs. It might be a missionary s appeal, a work project or serving a meal to the elderly or the homeless. 1. Residing in the heart of every one there is a passion waiting to be identified and released. Every one of us has a disciple s serve. We just need to identify it and do it! E. If we understand these three things they will help us identify our serve and then begin to live as a disciple of Jesus. 4
1. Everyone has something to offer. We are all parts of the body and we are all inter-dependent on each other. Everyone has a God-given talent and gifting that adds to what we can accomplish together. a. Let me illustrate it like this. Check out this pot of gumbo. There are as many recipes for gumbo in Louisiana as there are Cajuns but they all agree on one thing, the more you put in it, the better it gets! b. Every one of us can share the love of Christ with the people of this city/county and we will not be complete until you do! 2. Serving is the best way out of pain. Many of us have experienced tragedy, personal crisis and loss. You maybe be walking through a time of tremendous struggle and trial of you own right now. a. The most important thing I can tell you is this: You need to get involved with serving someone else s need. As you serve, you will be amazed at what God does to you own! b. The best way out of pain is choosing to look outside ourselves taking notice of another s need, then doing something to help them alleviate it. c. As we divert out attention from our own need onto the needs of others, there is a spiritual balm that Jesus pours into our souls. 3. There is a place for everyone to fit in. You might not ever preach from behind the pulpit, but you can serve in the nursery, teach the children or lead a Life group. a. You could change a light bulb for an elderly neighbor, cut their grass or just share a cup of coffee with them. b. You may never be a TV evangelist or famous personality, but you could visit the nursing home, take time for the needy or maybe just be kind and gracious to every person you encounter this week. c. Everyone can fit in somewhere if they want too! I know some of you are silk and some of you are sandpaper but both can be useful somewhere in the kingdom! F. What does a discipleship look like? It looks like Love, it looks like a Servant and III. IT LOOKS LIKE SACRIFICE John 12:24 26 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. A. There is only one true path to fruitful discipleship; the way of the cross. 1. Just as Jesus describes the fate of the seed. 2. If it remains in a sack in the barn, it is filled with potential but never realizes it. 5
3. It is only in the planting; in the darkness and death of sacrifice can its full potential be released. 4. God has called us first to be, and then to make disciples. We know we must love as Jesus does and serve as Jesus did, but there is more required. B. If our love of pleasures, possessions and comforts of this present life are greater than our love for Jesus, we will not make the sacrifices to become a true disciple. 1. I enjoy comfort and security as much as anyone does but if we are to reach this city/county it is going to demand a greater sacrifice of my time, my resources and yes, even my comfort. 2. If we are willing to reach beyond ourselves to give, love and to serve, we have the promise of much fruit. 3. If we live only for ourselves, this world and all it affords, in the end, we will lose everything. 4. Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to love the Lord your God with all you heart, soul mind and strength and your neighbor as yourself. 5. When we begin to love God and others like that, something good is coming our way and into the lives of those around us. 6. Let me quote Mother Teresa again, I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love. Conclusion The Lord is stirring something in my heart telling me we need to get ready. Ready for a harvest and ready for a trial. It is not fear or dread of the future but a serious warning to prepare our hearts, minds and spiritual lives. Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples of every nation. Nations in the scripture are people groups, not necessarily geographical places. God has given you an inroad to people I will never see; people at school, work and in you family and He has commanded for us to reach out to them, and make disciples. You can lead people to become followers of Jesus as you determine to follow only Him. We can never get the job done until we fully surrender our selves to the love of God and allow the cross of Christ to work deep within our hearts. I truly believe that there is something great for us to do right there right now. A final question: Will we love, serve and give of ourselves sacrificially until there is nothing left but love? This is what discipleship looks like. 6
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Jesus. 7