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 28:19-20

When Jesus tells us to ‘make’ disciples, what does He mean? So often when we hear the word ‘Make,’ it sounds intimidating and forceful. Sometimes we respond by saying, “How am I supposed to ‘make’ a disciple,” or “I shouldn’t ‘make’ anyone do something that they don’t want to.”

Yet “making” disciples is not meant to be forceful nor passive. Instead it is meant to be a beautiful and intimate relationship. Jesus’ 12 disciples didn’t instantly become fully mature Christians the moment they began to follow Him. Instead, they had to walk with Him, they had to talk to Him, and they had to learn from Him every single day. They had to watch Him heal the sick, feed thousands of people, do miracles, calm storms, and so much more. Jesus made disciples not by force, but by living as their example even when they doubted, questioned, and abandoned Him.

Every single believer is not just called to have the title of “Christian.” Instead, we are all called to become mature Disciples of Christ Himself. By becoming mature disciples, we will begin to live as Jesus lived, and love people as Jesus loved. As we intimately live for Christ and pour into those around us, we in turn make disciples. Discipleship is a process. It is a journey towards Him.

This week, let’s ask God to reveal how we can become better disciples of Jesus Christ. Further, let’s ask how we are being called to make disciples in our communities and relationships today.