Introduction
As Christians, we are called to go into the whole world and share the gospel–the good news that God saves sinners. Matthew 28:19-20 is the capstone of this mission, and has become more than just words; it has become a guiding principle that has shaped my journey as a devoted follower of Christ.
For instance, this article finds its home on a Christian website that I’ve founded – a platform that has touched lives in over 100 countries, reaching more than 165,000 individuals. I am humbled by its outreach and pray that the message of Christ continues to reach more and more people.
The work of this ministry has just begun, and I want to thank you for your continual support. In this specific article, I want to discuss my journey of disciple-making and gospel sharing, but let’s first look into the syntax of this passage.
The Greek Insight
Studying the original Greek text of Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples,” reveals a profound mandate: “πορευθέντες οὖν μαθητεύσατε” (poreuthentes oun mathēteusate). “Mathēteusate” identifies the essence of more than mere evangelism. It emphasizes the ongoing process of mentorship and nurturing. This understanding has deeply influenced my approach to disciple-making – it’s about investing time and effort into developing a lasting relationship with Christ and others.
Sharing the gospel is like planting a seed. The first step is evangelizing and reaching the lost, who can be represented as good soil. Once the person has accepted the gospel, there needs to be ongoing discipleship just like a seed needs water, sunlight, and tilling of the ground in order to grow. If you just plant the seed but do not nurture it, there’s no way for it to survive. In the same way, after the message is received, there needs to be a cultivation of discipleship for the seed or person to flourish in the kingdom of God.
Venturing into Inner-City Chicago
Responding to this call, I embarked on a journey to inner-city Chicago, where I volunteered as part of an after-school sports program with our church. Beyond the games, we found opportunities to connect with young minds and hearts, sharing the message of Christ’s love. The Greek concept of “mathēteusate” perfectly mirrored our approach – it’s not just about sharing information, but about fostering growth and understanding.
Moreover, our discipleship occurred when the youth group from our church had the chance to teach these kids about who God was. Not only were we reaching the lost for Christ, but this mission gave an opportunity for the youth in our church to grow by teaching others their faith.
A Glimpse into Jamaican Outreach
My journey extended beyond the United States to Jamaica, where I embraced the holistic nature of the Great Commission. While teaching vacation Bible school, I also engaged in practical acts of service, embodying the essence of “mathēteusate.”
Our church group repaired roads, visited orphanages, and was an integral part of nurturing a comprehensive understanding of faith and discipleship. It was an honor and privilege to be able to share Jesus to our Jamaican brothers and sisters.
Local Impact and Personal Evangelism
Back in my own community, I found myself engaging in open-air preaching and sharing my faith with fellow residents. This aspect of my disciple-making journey, echoing the Great Commission’s call to teach and observe, had a tangible impact. By equipping individuals with a deeper knowledge of the Lord, I aimed to ignite genuine discipleship within my city.
For example, just the other day I met a gentleman downtown who was inspired by my efforts to share the gospel in the open air. He was a Christian himself and asked if he could post our conversation on social media. I of course agreed. What I learned about this experience is if you go out with the intent to spread the gospel message, those who are like-minded will also desire to help you out.
This is by far the hardest type of evangelism I have engaged in. Many people are hostile towards the message of repentance and judgment. I have been cursed out, spitted upon, arrested, and physically attacked. Despite these hardships, it’s necessary for people to understand their own depravity first so that the atoning work of Christ makes more sense. They need to know the hard truth, even if it puts my own life in jeopardy at times.
Moreover, people often think they are relatively good people. If I ask them if they are going to heaven, they will typically respond with a confident yes. Then I will ask them why, and they usually say because they are a good person. But we know the Bible clearly teaches all of us have sinned and deserve the righteous judgment of God in Hell. The world has a huge misconception of how to be saved from a biblical perspective. In my opinion, there needs to be more open-air preaching because it’s a practice that is almost non-existent.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:19-20 has transcended time and space to become a lived reality in my life. The Greek nuances of this passage have guided my journey of making disciples and sharing the Gospel. From inner-city Chicago to Jamaica, and through my local community and online platform, I’ve strived to fulfill the Great Commission’s mandate.
The growth and reach of my Christian website stand as a testament to the power of heeding this call, and I am humbled by the opportunity to contribute to the glory of God’s kingdom on a global scale. As I continue to respond to the call to “go into all the world,” I eagerly anticipate the flourishing of this mission for His eternal glory. May you be encouraged to do the same. Blessings!
Conform to Jesus 
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