Daily Devotion: Teaching Them To Obey

Scripture:

Matthew 28: 16-20

Main Verse:

Matthew 28: 19-20
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, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Observation:

Before Jesus resurrected, His last instruction to his disciples was to make disciples. His instruction to us was not just to "go" to all nations, but to make disciples of all nations. The focus of this command is not in "going" but in "making disciples." Now, to make disciples, the first step is to be baptized. (v.19) Baptism is our public declaration that we are a follower of Christ. The second step is to teach them to observe His commandments. Jesus does not want us to just recognize Him as Lord and Savior. Our responsibility as disciple is not only to be baptized, but to observe His commands. Likewise, we are instructed to teach others to observe all that He has commanded us (v. 20). We cannot teach others to observe Jesus's commandments if we do not try to learn and understand His teachings. 

Application:

"To be a disciple is to make disciples." Some Christians get stuck with the word "go" and forget the other instructions of the Great Commission. Let us remember that when we become disciples, our goal is not only to learn Christ's teachings. It is important to obey what we learn and to follow Jesus's example in our life. Furthermore, our responsibility as disciple does not end even after we have studied or memorized all of the doctrines of the Gospel. We are also responsible for discipling fellow Christians and helping them grow in their faith and their understanding of the Word of God. We are instructed to teach fellow believers to observe--TO OBEY--everything that Jesus taught.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for calling me to be your disciple. You have full authority in my life. I pray, Lord, that I may be able to live my life according to your divine plans, and be able to teach others to life their lives according to the way you have taught me to live mine. May I be able to share your Gospel in any and every way I can to my family, friends, previous coworkers and the people that I meet everyday. May I live my life constantly giving honor and praise to your Mighty Name! AMEN.