Understanding Matthew 28:19-20 in Everyday Language
Reflecting on Discipleship: A Simple Guide
Discipleship, as laid out in Matthew 28:19-20, is really at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. These verses, often called the Great Commission, sum up what following Jesus is all about. In simple terms, Jesus says: “Go everywhere and help people become my followers. Baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I’ve taught you. And don’t forget—I’m always with you, even to the very end.”
The Command to Go
Jesus starts by telling us to “Go.” This isn’t a suggestion—it’s a call to take action. Being a disciple isn’t about sitting still or staying in your comfort zone. It means stepping out, meeting new people, and sharing the good news, no matter where you are or who you’re with. Jesus wants his followers to carry his message to every corner of the world, crossing cultures and all kinds of boundaries.
Making Disciples
The core of Jesus’ instruction is “make disciples of all nations.” This isn’t just about getting people to sign up to a religion. It’s about helping others grow in their relationship with Jesus—encouraging, teaching, and walking alongside them as they learn and change. Discipleship is ongoing and is best done together, with friends who support and challenge you.
The Scope of Discipleship
When Jesus says “all nations,” he means everyone—no exceptions. Discipleship is open to people from every background, culture, and walk of life. This message is meant for the whole world, and it calls believers to celebrate diversity and work together as one big family.
The Sacrament of Baptism
Jesus tells his followers to baptize people “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is a way to publicly say, “I belong to Jesus.” It’s a fresh start—a sign of leaving the old life behind and beginning a new one with God. Mentioning the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit shows that all three are a part of our faith and journey.
Teaching and Obedience
A big part of discipleship is learning and doing what Jesus taught. Knowing what Jesus said is important, but living it out every day is what truly matters. This means making choices that reflect Jesus’ love, kindness, and integrity—and growing to be more like him in how we act and treat others.
The Promise of Presence
Jesus wraps up his command with a comforting promise: “I am with you always.” No matter what challenges we face or where our journey takes us, we’re never alone. Jesus is with us through it all, giving us strength when things get tough and hope when we need it most.
Conclusion
To sum up, discipleship as described in Matthew 28:19-20 is a big, beautiful calling. It’s about taking action, helping others grow in faith, welcoming everyone, celebrating new beginnings, learning to live like Jesus, and trusting that he’s always by our side. Following Jesus means living with courage, authenticity, and love—sharing his message and making a difference everywhere we go.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 