Follow Me: The Call to Be and Make Disciples

Follow Me: The Call to Be and Make Disciples

Matthew 28:18–20 (NLT)

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Discussion Starters

How does recognizing Jesus’ authority change the way you live?

Where do you see yourself discipling right now—or where should you be?

What’s the difference between being a fan of Jesus and being a disciple of Jesus?

1. Big Idea

Jesus didn’t say, “Go and get decisions.” He said, “Go and make disciples.” A disciple is someone who follows closely, learns deeply, and lives differently.

2. Key Truths

A. The Authority (v.18)

What does it mean that Jesus has all authority?

Jesus is in charge—period.

You can’t lead anyone until you’re submitted to Him.

ASK YOURSELF - AM I FULLY SUBMITTED?

Truth: His authority gives you confidence to step out.

B. The Assignment (v.19)

“Go” means live on mission every day.

What would “GO” look like for you? In other words, where would you say your mission field is?

Discipleship doesn’t happen by accident.

If you aren’t “going” what is stopping you?

Truth: You are either discipling or being discipled—there’s no middle ground.

C. The Marks (v.19–20a)

Why does Jesus command His disciples to Baptize and Teach?

1. Baptism = A New Identity

Baptism is more than a ritual; it’s a declaration that your life is now hidden in Christ.

It identifies you with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Romans 6:3-4

Romans 6:3-4

Romans 6:3–4 “Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”

It signals leaving behind the old life and stepping into a new one.

2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:17 “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

Baptism also identifies you with the family of God—you belong to the church.

Galatians 3:27–28 “And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Galatians 3:27-28

Truth: A disciple doesn’t just believe privately; they identify publicly with Jesus and His people.

2. Teaching = A New Lifestyle

Jesus didn’t just say, “Teach them what I commanded.” He said, “Teach them to observe”—to obey (John 14:15).

John 14:15

Knowledge without obedience is incomplete discipleship (James 1:22).

James 1:22

A disciple is formed by learning Christ’s commands and practicing them daily (Luke 6:46–48).

Luke 6:46-48

Discipleship means transformation, not just information—it’s becoming more like Jesus in thought, word, and deed (Romans 12:1–2).

Romans 12:1-2

Truth: A disciple is not measured by what they know, but by how they live.

3. Lifelong Growth (Implied in “teaching them to observe”)

Discipleship isn’t a one-time class—it’s a lifelong journey.

Even the apostles were continually learning as they walked with Jesus.

The mark of a disciple is not perfection, but progress—moving closer to Christ day by day (Philippians 3:12–14).

Philippians 3:12-14

Summary

The marks of a disciple are:

Baptism (Identity) → I belong to Jesus.

Obedience (Lifestyle) → I live like Jesus.

Growth (Process) → I’m becoming more like Jesus every day.

Bottom Line: A true disciple is known not only by what they believe, but by who they follow and how they live.

Truth: A disciple is not someone who just knows; it’s someone who obeys.

D. The Assurance (v.20b)

What does it mean for Jesus to be with us always?

1. The Promise of Presence

Jesus doesn’t just give us a mission and then leave us to figure it out.

He promises to be with us personally—His presence empowers our obedience.

This echoes God’s consistent promise throughout Scripture:

Joshua 1:9 – “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Truth: A disciple is never alone; Christ walks with us in every season.

2. The Power of His Spirit

After this command, in Acts 1:8, Jesus clarified how He would be with them—through the Holy Spirit.

His presence is not limited by geography or time. Wherever a disciple goes, Christ is present by His Spirit.

This transforms discipleship from human effort into Spirit-empowered living.

Truth: His presence is our power.

3. The Perseverance of the Promise

Jesus said His presence extends “to the end of the age.”

That means until He returns, the mission will never lack His power or His presence.

This provides strength in persecution, courage in hardship, and endurance in service.

Romans 8:38–39 – Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

Truth: Christ’s presence is permanent, not conditional—it continues to the very end.

Summary

We are never abandoned in discipleship.

His Spirit equips and sustains us.

His presence is guaranteed until He comes again.

Impact Statement: The Great Commission begins with His authority, continues with our obedience, and is sustained by His abiding presence.

Jesus says, “I’m with you—always.”

You’re never discipling alone.

Truth: His presence is your power.

4. Application Challenge

Write down one person you will intentionally invest in this week.

Ask yourself: Am I following close enough to Jesus that someone could follow me?

Conclusion

“Discipleship is not a suggestion—it’s your assignment. When you step out in obedience, you’ll discover His authority, His presence, and His power working through you.”