Is it feasible to achieve Jesus’s directive to make disciples of all nations?
By Brett Clemmer
President, Man in the Mirror
It is easy today for visionary statements to become mere slogans. Ad campaigns and political slogans come and go or linger with empty power.
However, one visionary challenge has stood the test of time. Three sentences spoken by Jesus 2,000 years ago have, as Pat Morley says, “mobilized more millions of people and billions of dollars” than any three sentences in history:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
All authority.
All nations.
I am with you always.
Can we reach every man? We are commanded to go by the sovereign creator of the universe. The effectiveness of our actions is His responsibility.
If you have yet to experience discouragement in pursuing your cause, you’re not a leader. Men’s discipleship is no different. We constantly struggle with the world, the flesh, and the devil (Ephesians 2:2-3). Not just in our own hearts but in the hearts and minds of the men we are trying to reach.
Reaching every man is NOT about numbers. It’s about faithfulness.
[click_to_tweet tweet=”We are commanded to reach all men by the sovereign creator of the universe. However, the effectiveness of our actions is His responsibility.” quote=”We are commanded to reach all men by the sovereign creator of the universe. However, the effectiveness of our actions is His responsibility.”]
Having received their marching orders, the disciples dispersed across the known world, adding to their number, growing the church, and expanding the influence of the gospel.
What about you?
Are you reaching every man? You don’t need to stand on the sidewalk with a sandwich board. Just be faithful. Start with a prayer, then invite that guy you know for coffee. And, never forget, Jesus is with you always.
This blog post was originally published in 2016.