Level: 2, Lesson: 7
DISCIPLESHIP/EVANGELISM
OUTLINE

The goal of each disciple of Jesus should be to go and make more disciples of Jesus.

Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (NIV).

If one man led 1,000 people to the Lord each year, in 35 years, there would be 35,000 converts through his ministry. However, if the same man only led one person to the Lord every six months, then discipled that convert so that he too could share his faith the same way, then in 10 years, he would have made 1,048,576 converts. In 15 years, he would have evangelized over 1,000,000,000 people and in just over 16 years, he would have evangelized the present population of the entire world. Jesus' plan of discipleship is the best.

DISCIPLESHIP/EVANGELISM

Lesson Text

The Greek word for disciple, "mathetes," means "a learner - indicating thought accompanied by endeavor." Jesus had more than 12 disciples, and the statements made in John 8:31-32 are intended for anyone who wants to be a follower of Jesus. True biblical faith in Jesus produces salvation, but being a "disciple" comes only through a maturing in the knowledge of, and acting on the Word of God.

Notice that teaching is mentioned twice in the Matthew 28:19-20—the Great Commission. We have not been commanded to proclaim only, but we must explain also, and provide training. This is the cornerstone of Jesus' plan of evangelization.

The present day church has put the majority of its evangelistic efforts into just proclaiming the gospel with little or no thought to discipleship. The consequences have been that people have responded and been born again, but as a whole these new believers don't mature to a place where they can reproduce their Christian faith in others. This has placed the burden of evangelism on a few individuals and mass crusades.

If one man led 1,000 people to the Lord each year, in 35 years, there would be 35,000 converts through his ministry. However, if the same man only led one person to the Lord every six months, then discipled that convert so that he too could share his faith the same way, then in 10 years, he would have 1,048,576 converts. In 15 years, he would have evangelized over 1,000,000,000 people and in just over 16 years he would have evangelized the present population of the entire world. Jesus' plan of discipleship is the best.

DISCIPLESHIP/EVANGELISM

(Additional Information)

The Greek word "EVAGGELION" means "good news" or "gospel." God Himself was the first great evangelizer or bringer of good news. After the fall, God brought good news to Adam and Eve concerning the seed that would crush the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15). Again God brought good news to Abraham declaring, "And in these shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 12:3). John the Baptist did the work of an evangelist in Luke 3:10, "John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them" (NIV).

The most extensive discipleship and evangelizing yet to come must be carried out before the end comes. Matthew 24-14 states: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Christians have the command to preach the Word, and make disciples of all nations (II Timothy 4:2; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15). Will you help us in this endeavor? "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).

Here are some questions to think about for this lesson

Level 3 Lesson 7 Questions
HEALING IS IN THE ATONEMENT

1. What does the Greek word "MATHETES" (disciple) mean?
2. According to John 8:31, what is required to be Jesus’ disciple?
3. Then what will happen? (John 8:32)
4. What is Jesus’ commission in Matthew 28:19-20?
5. In the process of discipling, what will happen? (Matthew 28:19)
6. Will you accept Jesus’ commission to disciple others?

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