Go Make Disciples

There are some passages of Scripture that feel so familiar that they almost fade into the background.

Matthew 28:18–20 is one of those for many of us.

We’ve heard it quoted in sermons. Printed on bulletin boards. Maybe we’ve even memorized it.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” - Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

But here’s the question I’ve been thinking about for a while now: What if we’ve heard it… but not fully felt it? Or even fully understood it?

What if the Great Commission is not just a closing command from Jesus, but rather the defining calling for our entire lives?

This upcoming quarter, I’ll be teaching an adult Bible class at my local congregation. We'll be going through a 13-week study titled Go Make Disciples: Living the Great Commission. And beginning next Friday, this blog will walk alongside that journey each week. After all, I only have so many hours in the day, so why not merge these two endeavors? Plus, I hope some of you will find it encouraging.

Before we dive in, I want to pause and ask a deeper question.

What does it actually mean to make disciples?

The Great Commission is More Than a Command — It's A Calling

When Jesus says:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples…” - Matthew 28:18–19 (ESV)

He isn’t giving a suggestion. He isn’t offering a ministry niche for a few spiritually gifted outgoing individuals.

He is defining the mission of His people.

But this is more than activity. More than evangelism strategies. More than church growth.

The command is rooted in authority (“All authority…”) and sustained by promise (“I am with you always…” – Matthew 28:20, ESV).

That means disciple-making is not driven by pressure. It’s driven by the presence of Jesus.

We don’t go alone. We go with Him.

And over the next 14 weeks (13 lessons plus this introduction), we’re going to slow down and examine what that really looks like in everyday life.

What We’ll Explore Together

This series isn’t just about theory. It’s about transformation.

Here’s a preview of where we’re heading:

Weeks 1 - 2: Understanding the Call

We’ll begin by asking foundational questions:

• What is a disciple?

• Why does Jesus prioritize disciples over converts?

• What authority does Jesus claim, and why does it matter?

• What does it mean that He promises to be with us?

Before we talk about making disciples, we need to understand what one actually is.

Weeks 3 - 5: The Heart of a Disciple-Maker

We’ll explore:

• Why love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14–20).

• Why the gospel is urgent (Romans 10:14–17).

• How fear, comfort, or distraction quietly sideline us.

Disciple-making doesn’t begin with programs. It begins with a transformed heart.

Weeks 6 - 8: The Habits of Disciple-Making

We’ll look at:

• Intentional relationships.

• Gospel conversations.

• Teaching obedience, not just knowledge (Matthew 28:20).

• Walking alongside others in everyday life.

We’ll ask practical questions: What does this look like in the workplace? In parenting? In friendship? In ordinary Tuesdays?

Weeks 9 - 11: Obstacles and Challenges

This is where many of us struggle.

We’ll address:

• Fear of rejection.

• Feeling unqualified.

• Spiritual apathy.

• Busyness.

• Cultural resistance.

We’ll see how the early church navigated similar challenges, and how Jesus still strengthens His people today.

Weeks 12 - 13: Multiplication and Legacy

Finally, we’ll look at what it means to build something that outlives us. Becoming disciples who make disciples.

Not spiritual consumers. Not spectators. But multiplying followers of Jesus.

This Is About Us, Too

Before this series becomes something we “teach,” it needs to become something we live.

The Great Commission isn’t just for missionaries overseas or church leaders with microphones standing behind pulpits.

It’s for parents discipling children. Friends discipling friends. Coworkers influencing coworkers. Older Christians mentoring younger ones. New believers learning how to follow Jesus faithfully.

It’s for us.

And if we’re honest, many of us feel that tension. We know the command. But we’re not always sure how to live it.

That’s okay. That’s exactly why we’re walking through this together.

The Promise That Changes Everything

There’s one part of the Great Commission that we often rush past.

After giving the command, Jesus says:

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:20 (ESV)

Disciple-making isn’t sustained by our charisma, our knowledge, or our strength.

It is sustained by the presence of Jesus.

We don’t manufacture spiritual growth in others. We simply participate in what Jesus is already doing.

And that should take pressure off.

This series is not about guilt. It’s about growth.

It’s not about shaming what we haven’t done. It’s about stepping into what Jesus is still inviting us to become.

So let me ask you…

As I ask myself these same questions:

• When I hear “make disciples,” what emotions surface in me?

• Do I see disciple-making as a burden or a privilege?

• Who has discipled me?

• Who might God be inviting me to intentionally invest in?

• What would change in my daily life if I truly believed Jesus is with me always?

A Word for Fellow Pilgrims

This journey isn’t about becoming impressive. It’s about becoming faithful.

Jesus didn’t command us to build platforms or programs. He commanded us to make disciples. And He promised to be with us while we do.

So over the next 14 weeks, let’s slow down. Let’s look closely. Let’s examine our hearts. Let’s grow together.

The Great Commission isn’t just the church’s mission statement. It's not just the parting words of Jesus.

It’s our way of life.

Until the journey is complete,

Jonathan Pilgrim

P.S. Before next Friday, read Matthew 28:18–20 slowly. Sit with it. Pray through it. Ask God to show you one area of your life where disciple-making could become more intentional. We’ll begin there.