Many people are longing for meaning and purpose that brings contentment and staves off our restlessness. In Jesus’s final words to his disciples in the Gospel of Matthew (28:16-20), he calls his disciples to just such a purpose. Namely, he tells them that disciples are called to make disciples.

This is a mission the Father initiated by sending the Son (John 3:16), and these verses show that Christ accomplished all he came to do. Through his death and resurrection, he did save us from our sins (Matt 1:21, 20:28). He took back dominion from Satan (Matt 4:8-9) and now has all authority in heaven and earth (Matt 28:18). He was incarnate to be “Immanuel – which means God with us” (Matt 1:23), and now through his Spirit he will be with all his followers to the end of the age (Matt 28:20). Jesus accomplished his mission from the Father.

Surprisingly, the way he wants to extend this good news into the world and call new people into his kingdom is through us! Disciples make disciples. These verses are not just a summation of the ministry of Jesus, they are a capstone class that sets the trajectory for the rest of our lives as disciples. We are called to “make disciples” – to use our gifts, experiences, resources, and lives to make more followers of Jesus.

We make disciples by “going” to the nations and “as we go” to our neighbors (family, friends, co-workers, etc.) (Matt 28:19a). We call them to repentance and give them the gift of baptism (Matt 19b) through which God offers forgiveness, new birth, and adoption into his family (ACNA Catechism, #127). We teach them – not just what is appealing or easy – but everything Jesus commanded about loving God and neighbor, self-denial, and the Kingdom (Matt 28:20). And that includes this final lesson: disciples make disciples.