Matthew recorded Jesus' final words in a statement commonly referred to as The Great Commission. The nature of the statement is that we, as disciples of Jesus, are to make disciples. The essence of this statement is recorded by each of the Gospel writers as well as in the first chapter of Acts. Jesus knew the importance of others continuing to teach others His message. One of those who would be discipled was Paul (by Barnabas). And it was Paul who we find discipling many people in the NT including Timothy.
But, just as Jesus told His disciples to make disciples, Paul did as well. In 2 Timothy 2.1-2, Paul wrote, "You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
Now, Paul, in some of his final words, tells Timothy to make disciples, just as Jesus commanded in some of His final words. Paul's command - take what you (v. 2) heard from me (v. 1) to teach others (v. 3) that they may teach others (v. 4). Paul says that disciple-making should always extend to (at least) four generations. In Paul's day, even more than ours, that would have spanned the entirety of a person's life.
Timothy must have taken Paul's advice, because we are still here learning about, and teaching others about, Jesus. But the question we must ask ourselves is whether we are doing the same. Are you and I taking what we heard from another and teaching others that will, in turn, teach others? What if Paul hadn't? What if Timothy hadn't? What if those Timothy taught didn't? What if the following generation didn't?
Certainly, isn't it up to God to transform lives? But He has chosen us to partner with Him to not only transform our own lives, but also the lives of others. Think about it – the most important person who ever lived has asked you to do something for Him. Whomever you might consider the most important person who may have lived, or is living in your lifetime, will not likely ever talk to you, let alone know your name. Yet, Jesus, who is even more important (and is alive) not only knows your name, but asks you to partner with Him.
That is truly a privilege and an honor we are not worthy of receiving! Yet, it's true. So, will you accept the Lord's invitation? Truly it is more than an invitation, it is a command. So, will you serve Him by making disciples? And will you work with disciples to make more disciples? It was Paul's command, because it was Jesus' command. But it is for you and I to follow!
But, just as Jesus told His disciples to make disciples, Paul did as well. In 2 Timothy 2.1-2, Paul wrote, "You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
Now, Paul, in some of his final words, tells Timothy to make disciples, just as Jesus commanded in some of His final words. Paul's command - take what you (v. 2) heard from me (v. 1) to teach others (v. 3) that they may teach others (v. 4). Paul says that disciple-making should always extend to (at least) four generations. In Paul's day, even more than ours, that would have spanned the entirety of a person's life.
Timothy must have taken Paul's advice, because we are still here learning about, and teaching others about, Jesus. But the question we must ask ourselves is whether we are doing the same. Are you and I taking what we heard from another and teaching others that will, in turn, teach others? What if Paul hadn't? What if Timothy hadn't? What if those Timothy taught didn't? What if the following generation didn't?
Certainly, isn't it up to God to transform lives? But He has chosen us to partner with Him to not only transform our own lives, but also the lives of others. Think about it – the most important person who ever lived has asked you to do something for Him. Whomever you might consider the most important person who may have lived, or is living in your lifetime, will not likely ever talk to you, let alone know your name. Yet, Jesus, who is even more important (and is alive) not only knows your name, but asks you to partner with Him.
That is truly a privilege and an honor we are not worthy of receiving! Yet, it's true. So, will you accept the Lord's invitation? Truly it is more than an invitation, it is a command. So, will you serve Him by making disciples? And will you work with disciples to make more disciples? It was Paul's command, because it was Jesus' command. But it is for you and I to follow!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.