Scripture:
“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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Reading:
“My friend asked Jesus into her heart today!”
I can still see my kindergartener with her Dora backpack parachuting over her shoulders. Climbing into our minivan one hot pink Converse at a time, she announced her news.
“I told her about Jesus at lunch and asked if she wanted Jesus to live in her heart too.”
They prayed with peanut butter jelly sandwiches in their hands.
For the life of me, I will never get over this. The ease. The simplicity. The pure-hearted wonder of it all.
But here’s the thing - it didn’t happen in a vacuum. She had been discipled.
Jesus commands us to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). That word cause may be helpful when considering the Lord’s mandate to make disciples. The Greek word for “make“ carries with it the idea of helping others enter into the life of discipleship.
My daughter had not been trained to lead her friend to Christ. She was simply raised to know the love of Jesus, His Word woven through our everyday rhythm and community.
My daughter’s heart was in step with her knowledge of God.
That’s what the Holy Spirit does. Whether the ancient apostles or a modern kindergartener, as we spend time with Jesus in prayer and take in Scripture, He causes our heart knowledge to surpass our head knowledge (John 14:26, Ephesians 3:16-19). He empowers us with courage (2 Timothy 1:7), equips us with His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and promises His presence always (Matthew 28:20).
Making disciples can feel overwhelming. But just as my daughter went with Jesus into her cafeteria, you too have Jesus in every ordinary place.
So, the question is how is God leading you? Who is at your table? Who are you walking beside, eating with, and listening to this week? Your obedience may cause another heart to say yes to Jesus.
Your Turn:
1. When have you sensed God’s love surpassing your understanding, and how can you share that testimony to encourage someone else?
2. Since Scripture equips us (2 Timothy 3:16-17), the Spirit strengthens us (Eph 3:16-19), and Jesus sends us (Matt 28:19-20), what would it look like for you to rely on all three as you live out your faith this week?
Prayer:
God, thank You for discipling me through Your Spirit, Your Word, Your people. Strengthen me to live and love in a way that reflects you. I pray for grace to teach others to obey all that You have commanded. Amen.