What Discipleship Looks Like
Matthew 28:18-20
We have been in our series Planted for the past three weeks with the exception of our
visit from Scot Hinkle last week (who brought an awesome word). We have talked about
being planted, rooted and fruitful in the house of God all of which lead us to the ultimate
purpose Jesus called us as His church to accomplish, “Go into all the world and make
disciples.” He didn’t say “Preach for decisions, make converts, or build ministries…”
In our text, Jesus had risen from the dead and had revealed Himself to the disciples
numerous times, but this time, is different. He had not come to fellowship, He was not
trying to convince those still in unbelief, but He is about to give specific instructions that
would definitively change their future and the future of the entire human race. He
communicates what we call, the Great Commission.
Commission: (noun) an instruction, command, or duty given to a person or group of
people:
• an order for something, esp. a work of art, to be produced • the authority to perform a
task or certain duties. (archaic)
(Verb): order or authorization to do or produce something; to bring something newly
produced, into working condition
The first thing to notice here is His opening statement in verse 18 which establishes the
position from which Jesus is about to speak. He said, “All authority has been given to
Me in heaven and in earth.” This is huge!
The word Authority is the NT word is exousia, meaning rightful, actual and unimpeded
power to act, possess, or control. (exousia signifies power that is in some sense lawful.
The only rightful power within creation is, ultimately, God’s, because all authority is
ultimately finds its source and power in Him.)
So Jesus is speaking from the position of His God given authority over all creation when
He says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” It is also interesting to note
in the original language, this is not an option or a suggestion; “if you have time to get
around to it when you have nothing else better to do!” It was spoken as a direct
command.
This is where most believers begin to get uncomfortable. We start saying things like,
“Well, that was for the NT followers, or maybe those called into fulltime ministry, but He
certainly wasn’t talking to me! I mean I’m a Christian and everything, but…I’m just not
called to that!”
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Nothing could be farther from the truth. This was not spoken to NT followers or
professional clergy only, but to every person who has come to salvation through faith in
Jesus Christ. So, if we are truly lovers and followers of Jesus, then we are called to
make disciples.
This can seem pretty intimidating but Jesus would never command us to do something
without giving us the power to accomplish. As born-again, Spirit filled people, we have
been authorized and equipped by the one who has ultimate authority over all things to
go and make disciples.
Matthew 28:18–20 (MSG) Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge:
“God authorized and commanded me to commission you: 19 Go out and train everyone
you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold
name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 20 Then instruct them in the practice of all I have
commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the
end of the age.”
So, What is a disciple and what does a disciple really look like? The answer is simple. A
disciple is a follower of Jesus Christ. One who patterns his life after Jesus, living in total
obedience to the things Jesus has said. There are many who profess to believe but are
not Jesus’ disciples. The Apostle James tells us even the devils believe in Jesus, but
they are not His disciples, they do not follow Him.
The call of a disciple is to follow Christ, obey Christ and ultimately, become like Christ.
He was the firstborn among many brethren and we are adopted Sons, co-heirs with
Christ. Therefore we enjoy the privileges of son-ship and we also share in its
responsibilities. Remember, we have been called to go forth and multiply…
So what does discipleship really look like?
I.
IT LOOKS LIKE LOVE
John 13:34–35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have
loved you, that you also love one another. 35By this all will know that you are My
disciples, if you have love for one another.”
1 John 4:9–11 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His
only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not
that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our
sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
A. Jesus’ words recorded by the apostle John are the first indication of what a disciple
will look like and be known by.
1. Disciples are not known by outward appearance, their manner of worship or
denominational affiliation, stickers on their cars, but by love.
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2. A real genuine love as we find described by the Apostle Paul.
1 Corinthians 13:4–7 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not
parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not
provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all
things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
B. Some how we have gotten to the place where we can call ourselves Christians,
profess to believe, but live and behave nothing like what the scriptures describe the
Christian life to be.
1. Sadly, we don’t have to look very far to see the damage done by those who
profess to be His, but deny Him by their manner of life.
C. True followers of Christ are known by their love. Their passionate love for Jesus and
His Word, and their unselfish love for others.
1. A true disciple loves. It is love that our world desperately needs. (the Beatles got it
right on that one)
2. The rich, poor, the lovely and the broken of this world need to know the power of
Christ’s redeeming love and we are the ones called to share it with them.
D. We will never be able to meet the needs of every person in our city/county. We may
not be among the most educated, gifted, talented or wealthy, but we can love.
1. We can look beyond our differences, prejudice and fears and love as we have
been loved by Jesus Christ.
2. Mother Teresa also said: “It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in
the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving.”
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”
1 John 3:17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and
shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
E. The true disciples of Jesus are known by their love. God has called us to this city, to
this county to make a difference and we can do it by our love!
II.
IT LOOKS LIKE A SERVANT
Philippians 2:5–8 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in
the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of
no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to
the point of death, even the death of the cross.
A. Jesus left the glory of heaven and came to earth to fulfill the mission of redemption.
1. To accomplish this, he clothed Himself with human flesh and experienced
everything you and I face within the context of our daily lives.
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2. He has dealt with all the struggles and trials and the emotional rollercoaster of
human existence. He knew cold, suffered hunger, rejection and abuse.
3. He who was God, humbled Himself so that He could identify with every fear,
doubt and insecurity we all deal with. Wow, what Savior!
4. And if suffering a human birth were not enough, “He took on the form of a
bondservant;” one who was bound in permanent servitude to another, and total
obedience, humbled Himself to death on the cross serving the will of His Father.
B. This is important to understand because if we are to see what discipleship looks like,
we must have an example, and Jesus is our perfect example of a servant.
1. Paul gives us a summary in Philippians and then John chapter 13 gives us the
practical example. The bond-slave of the Father is the servant of fallen man.
John 13:3–5 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that
He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His
garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and
began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was
girded.
2. Then Jesus explains what He has just done:
John 13:12–15 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down
again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher
and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed
your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example,
that you should do as I have done to you.
C. So a true disciple looks like his master, a servant. His weapon to win the hearts of
lost and make disciples of all nations is a basin and towel!
1. I know it’s not as glamorous as you might have expected but that is the example
Jesus left for us to follow.
2. Here is the good news: by serving others we open up our lives to be conduits of
God’s love, forgiveness and saving grace.
3. God uses people filled with His life, overflowing with His love, to reach other
people who need to know Him.
D. Perhaps you’re thinking, “That’s great pastor, but what can I do?” The first thing we
need to do is identify our serve! In other words, whatever awakens your heart and
moves you to respond to certain needs. It might be a missionary’s appeal, a work
project or serving a meal to the elderly or the homeless.
1. Residing in the heart of every one there is a passion waiting to be identified and
released. Every one of us has a “disciple’s serve.” We just need to identify it and
do it!
E. If we understand these three things they will help us identify our serve and then
begin to live as a disciple of Jesus.
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1. Everyone has something to offer. We are all parts of the body and we are all
inter-dependent on each other. Everyone has a God-given talent and gifting that
adds to what we can accomplish together.
a. Let me illustrate it like this. Check out this pot of gumbo. There are as many
recipes for gumbo in Louisiana as there are Cajuns but they all agree on one
thing, the more you put in it, the better it gets!
b. Every one of us can share the love of Christ with the people of this city/county
and we will not be complete until you do!
2. Serving is the best way out of pain. Many of us have experienced tragedy,
personal crisis and loss. You maybe be walking through a time of tremendous
struggle and trial of you own right now.
a. The most important thing I can tell you is this: You need to get involved with
serving someone else’s need. As you serve, you will be amazed at what God
does to you own!
b. The best way out of pain is choosing to look outside ourselves taking notice of
another’s need, then doing something to help them alleviate it.
c. As we divert out attention from our own need onto the needs of others, there
is a spiritual balm that Jesus pours into our souls.
3. There is a place for everyone to fit in. You might not ever preach from behind
the pulpit, but you can serve in the nursery, teach the children or lead a Life
group.
a. You could change a light bulb for an elderly neighbor, cut their grass or just
share a cup of coffee with them.
b. You may never be a TV evangelist or famous personality, but you could visit
the nursing home, take time for the needy or maybe just be kind and gracious
to every person you encounter this week.
c. Everyone can fit in somewhere…if they want too! I know some of you are silk
and some of you are sandpaper but both can be useful somewhere in the
kingdom!
F. What does a discipleship look like? It looks like Love, it looks like a Servant and…
III.
IT LOOKS LIKE SACRIFICE
John 12:24–26 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground
and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life
will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone
serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone
serves Me, him My Father will honor.
A. There is only one true path to fruitful discipleship; the way of the cross.
1. Just as Jesus describes the fate of the seed.
2. If it remains in a sack in the barn, it is filled with potential but never realizes it.
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3. It is only in the planting; in the darkness and death of sacrifice can its full
potential be released.
4. God has called us first to be, and then to make disciples. We know we must love
as Jesus does and serve as Jesus did, but there is more required.
B. If our love of pleasures, possessions and comforts of this present life are greater than
our love for Jesus, we will not make the sacrifices to become a true disciple.
1. I enjoy comfort and security as much as anyone does but if we are to reach this
city/county it is going to demand a greater sacrifice of my time, my resources and
yes, even my comfort.
2. If we are willing to reach beyond ourselves to give, love and to serve, we have the
promise of much fruit.
3. If we live only for ourselves, this world and all it affords, in the end, we will lose
everything.
4. Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to love the Lord your God with
all you heart, soul mind and strength and your neighbor as yourself.
5. When we begin to love God and others like that, something good is coming our
way and into the lives of those around us.
6. Let me quote Mother Teresa again, “I have found the paradox, that if you love
until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.”
Conclusion
The Lord is stirring something in my heart telling me we need to get ready. Ready for a
harvest and ready for a trial. It is not fear or dread of the future but a serious warning to
prepare our hearts, minds and spiritual lives.
Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples of every nation. Nations in the scripture
are people groups, not necessarily geographical places.
God has given you an inroad to people I will never see; people at school, work and in
you family and He has commanded for us to reach out to them, and make disciples. You
can lead people to become followers of Jesus as you determine to follow only Him.
We can never get the job done until we fully surrender our selves to the love of God and
allow the cross of Christ to work deep within our hearts.
I truly believe that there is something great for us to do right there right now.
A final question: Will we love, serve and give of ourselves sacrificially until there is
nothing left but love?
This is what discipleship looks like.
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Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I
have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Jesus.
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