Making Disciples: Fulfilling the Great Commission
Day 1: Compassion for the Lost
Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:35-36 (CSB) “Jesus continued going around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Commentary: In this passage, we see Jesus tirelessly ministering to people’s physical and spiritual needs. His actions are characterized by deep compassion, which is central to His mission. Jesus’ heart for the distressed and dejected reflects His understanding of their dire need for guidance, healing, and salvation. The metaphor of sheep without a shepherd powerfully illustrates the vulnerability of those who are spiritually lost and searching for meaning.
Jesus’ compassion compels Him to act, offering us a model of how we should respond to the lost around us. As His followers, we are called to emulate this empathy by being attentive to the needs of others and actively seeking to share the hope found in Christ. The challenge for us is to cultivate this heart of compassion, allowing it to move us to action in ways that reflect Christ’s love and concern.
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways do you feel moved to compassion for those around you?
- How can you emulate Jesus’ example in meeting both spiritual and physical needs in your community?
- What barriers prevent you from acting on your compassion, and how can you overcome them?
- How does seeing people as “sheep without a shepherd” impact your approach to evangelism?
Thought of the Day: “Compassion without action is merely a feeling; let it drive us to serve.”
Song: “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath
Prayer Focus: Pray for a heart that sees others through the eyes of Jesus. Ask for the wisdom and courage to act on compassion, reaching out to those who are lost and hurting.
Day 2: The Urgency of the Harvest
Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:37-38 (CSB) “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.'”
Commentary: Jesus highlights the abundant opportunity for the spread of the gospel, likening it to a harvest ready to be gathered. However, He also notes the scarcity of workers willing to engage in this mission. This imagery underscores the urgency and significance of the task—proclaiming the gospel and discipling new believers. The call to pray for more laborers is an acknowledgment that this mission requires divine involvement and empowerment.
Prayer becomes a fundamental response to this challenge, aligning our hearts with God’s desire for more workers to enter the harvest field. It prompts us to consider our role in this mission, whether we become active laborers or support those who are. This passage challenges us to not only pray for others to be sent but also to be willing to respond to the call ourselves.
Reflection Questions:
- How do you perceive your role in God’s harvest field?
- What steps can you take to become more active in sharing your faith?
- How does praying for more workers affect your participation in the Great Commission?
- In what ways can your church community mobilize to meet the needs of the harvest?
Thought of the Day: “The fields are ripe, but are we ready to gather?”
Song: “We Are” by Kari Jobe
Prayer Focus: Pray for a willing heart to serve in God’s harvest and for more workers to join in the mission. Ask God to open your eyes to the opportunities around you to share His love.
Day 3: The Great Commission
Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:19-20 (CSB) “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.”
Commentary: The Great Commission is a direct mandate from Jesus to His disciples, urging them to go beyond making mere converts, and instead, focus on making disciples. This involves teaching and nurturing believers to grow in their faith, following Jesus’ teachings. By telling His followers to baptize and teach, Jesus is outlining the comprehensive nature of this mission, which requires dedication, patience, and intentional relationships.
The promise of His presence “to the end of the age” reassures us that we are not alone in this endeavor—the Lord Himself is our companion and guide. As disciples, we are called to live intentionally, sharing the message of Christ’s love and salvation with all peoples and cultures. This call challenges us to break free from our comfort zones and embrace the breadth and depth of Jesus’ mission for us.
Reflection Questions:
- What does it mean to you to make disciples rather than just converts?
- How can you incorporate disciple-making into your daily life?
- In what ways do you feel encouraged by Jesus’ promise of His presence as you fulfill this commission?
- How can you contribute to teaching and baptizing in your faith community?
Thought of the Day: “Our call is to make disciples, transforming lives one step at a time.”
Song: “I Will Follow” by Chris Tomlin
Prayer Focus: Pray for confidence and reassurance that Jesus is with you as you engage in making disciples. Ask Him to guide your steps and empower you to teach and lead others in His ways.
Day 4: The Power of Prayer
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:8 (CSB) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Commentary: This verse encapsulates the promise of empowerment through the Holy Spirit for the purpose of witnessing. Jesus assures His disciples that the Holy Spirit will equip them with the power needed to spread the gospel effectively, beginning in their immediate surroundings and extending to the farthest reaches of the earth. This empowerment is crucial, as the mission of evangelism and disciple-making is beyond our natural abilities.
Prayer is the conduit through which we access this divine empowerment, enabling us to step forward with boldness and clarity. We are reminded that reliance on the Holy Spirit is essential for breaking through spiritual barriers and sharing the gospel message. Our witness begins right where we are and has the potential to impact the world when fueled by the power and presence of the Spirit.
Reflection Questions:
- How does the promise of the Holy Spirit’s power encourage your witness?
- In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit’s guidance?
- How does prayer prepare you for effective witnessing?
- What steps can you take to ensure that you are living as a witness in your own “Jerusalem”?
Thought of the Day: “Our witness is powerful when empowered by the Spirit.”
Song: “Spirit Break Out” by Kim Walker-Smith
Prayer Focus: Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower you in your witness and open doors for sharing the gospel. Ask for boldness, wisdom, and clarity as you engage with others, and for the Spirit’s leading in your interactions.
Day 5: Speaking with Grace
Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:5-6 (CSB) “Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
Commentary: Paul’s exhortation to act wisely toward those outside the faith community highlights the importance of intentional and thoughtful interactions. Our behavior should reflect Christ, and our conversations with others should be captivating, gracious, and thought-provoking. By likening our speech to being “seasoned with salt,” Paul suggests that our words should add value, preserve truth, and create a thirst for the living water of the gospel.
Effective evangelism is not only about the message but also the manner in which it is conveyed. As believers, we are to cultivate conversations that engage and invite further inquiry, meeting people where they are and addressing their questions and needs thoughtfully. This approach encourages a posture of respect, love, and genuine interest in the spiritual wellbeing of others.
Reflection Questions:
- How can you ensure that your actions and words reflect Christ’s love to non-believers?
- In what ways can you make your conversations about faith more engaging and thoughtful?
- How do you prepare yourself to answer questions about your faith from others?
- How can your speech be both gracious and compelling in your everyday interactions?
Thought of the Day: “Our actions and words are the salt that flavors the gospel message we share.”
Song: “Let Them See You” by JJ Weeks Band
Prayer Focus: Pray for wisdom to act and speak graciously towards all, especially those who do not yet believe. Ask God for opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations that draw others toward Him. Pray for humility and the ability to communicate effectively, making the most of every opportunity to be a witness for Christ.