Read: Matthew 28:18-20
1. What is a disciple? A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, learns from Him, and becomes like Him. But whether we choose it or not, we are all following, learning and becoming like someone(s). Discipleship is not just a religious thing; it is a natural part of being human. In the age of social media, the idea of “following” is not new—it is actually rooted in discipleship: spending time with someone, learning from them, and becoming like them. Today, many “follow” celebrities, influencers, and people in our lives, often without thinking about how they shape us. So when we hear “make disciples,” it might feel intrusive or beyond us, but the reality is that disciples are being made all the time. The first step is to take ownership of our own discipleship - who we are following and what kind of disciples we are making.
a. Who or what are you allowing to disciple you right now? Who or what are you following and learning from (whether you are aware of it or not)?
2. Why make disciples? In Matthew 28:18, Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples.” Jesus is not giving a new purpose; He is restoring us to the purpose we were made for. The call to make disciples is not a new idea—it goes back to Genesis 1. From the beginning, God gave humanity a mission: to go out in His authority and fill the earth with His image-bearers, people who reflect His glory. Jesus echoes this same mission in Matthew 28, calling us to make disciples—people who become like Him, who bear his image. Many people today resist the idea of authority, seeing it as restrictive or controlling. Our culture often tells us to create our own mission, but this "blank slate" approach can leave us feeling aimless and unfulfilled. The truth is, writing our own mission can feel overwhelming and empty. Jesus, in Matthew 28, offers something better: a purpose authored by God Himself—to go, in His authority, and make disciples. It is not about self-fulfillment, but about stepping into the meaningful mission we were made for. In a culture where many feel aimless and disillusioned, Jesus offers a greater purpose—one authored by God Himself, far more meaningful than anything we could write on our own.
a. What would change in your daily life if you truly believed that making disciples is the God-given purpose you were created for?
3. Who makes disciples? When Jesus gave the Great Commission to the 11 disciples, He told them to teach others to obey everything He commanded—including the command to make disciples. That means every follower of Jesus is called to be a
disciple-maker. This mission is not just for individuals but it is for the church as a whole. Discipleship happens best within the family of God, and baptism is how someone enters that family. In other words - the church as a whole family is the best disciple-maker. This is freeing! We aren’t called to go solo making disciples of ourselves and we don’t need to wait until we’re “spiritually ready.” If you are baptized, following Jesus, and learning from him, you already have something to offer—and you have the whole church to help you grow as a disciple.
a. In what ways has the church helped you grow as a disciple of Jesus? How can the church family work together to fulfill the mission of disciple-making?
4. Where do we make disciples? Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations”—which includes everywhere and everyone. While this command clearly supports cross-cultural missions, it’s also for every follower of Jesus in everyday life. Discipleship is both outward and inward: we go out to reach others, and bring them into the family of God through baptism and teaching. This mission starts right where we are—at home, in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces—and extends to all nations.
a. How can you begin to view your everyday relationships and spaces (family, work, neighborhood) as places where disciple-making can happen, and what is one step you can take this week to intentionally live out that mission?
5. When do we make disciples? Discipleship happens in all seasons of life—not just when we feel strong, ready, or perfect. Whether we're succeeding or struggling, healthy or not, happy or depressed, we can still make disciples by faithfully following Jesus. Jesus promised to be with us "all days," meaning discipleship can occur at any time, even in our weaknesses, failures, and sins! In fact, through repentance and vulnerability, we can lead others to grow in their own faith and discipleship, showing them how to follow, learn from, and become like Jesus in every circumstance.
a. What might discipleship look like in your current season of life, even when you feel unprepared or struggling? How can you share your struggles and victories to help others grow in their faith?
6. How do we make disciples? Making disciples is not limited to preaching or formal teaching—it is about walking alongside others in everyday life. How did Jesus make disciples? He ate with them, lived with them, walked with them, talked about situations with them, gave them assignments and debriefed, prayed with them, asked questions, let them ask questions, etc. He taught through relationships. That means if you can share life with someone, you can make disciples. The original disciples were not perfect—they failed often and felt unqualified. But Jesus reminded them, “I am with you always.” The ability to make disciples does not come from having it all together, but discipleship starts with simply being with Him—and inviting others into that journey.
a. What keeps you from believing you're “qualified” to make disciples, and how does Jesus’ promise to be with you shift that perspective? Who in your life right now could you intentionally walk alongside—sharing everyday moments to help them follow Jesus?