Do you recognize the words “teaching them to observe”? They are familiar words of Jesus from the Great Commission:
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Jesus, in Matthew 28:19-20, CSB (emphasis added)
The essence of being a disciple of Jesus involves observing everything he commanded. The essence of being a disciple-maker is teaching them to observe. How are you doing in both of these?
Teaching to Observe
What is involved in teaching them to observe? Consider the following steps:
- knowing what He commanded–how can you as a disciple-maker teach what you do not know?
- living out what He commanded–your disciples are watching to see if you believe what you are saying
- reading what He commanded–check out the source (Jesus) together
- telling what He commanded–help your disciple understand what Jesus commanded and how it impacts life today
- applying what He commanded–examine His commands to determine the response He expects
- committing to what He commanded–lead your disciple to pray in response (commitment) to what Jesus commanded
- practicing what He commanded–when possible, make His commands simple and practical by working through scenarios where obedience can be practiced together
- assigning what He commanded–send the disciple out to live out Jesus’ commands
- reporting obedience to what He commanded–ask your disciple how it went when he/she carried out what Jesus commanded.
These steps are more connected and organic than they sound when artificially separated like this for discussion. Teach yourself and your disciples to think and live based upon the commands of Jesus. Make disciples!
Photo by Peter Kasprzyk on Unsplash
