July 24: THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” Matthew 28:19a

We must never forget that the saving of a soul happens only by the supernatural work of God’s Holy Spirit. The command of Jesus is to make disciples. But only those who are disciples themselves can lead others into true discipleship. The work of making disciples is pure joy for one who trusts the Lord without reserve. Complete reliance on His saving power frees the man or woman of God to serve life’s purpose to make disciples of all the nations.

John, the youngest of the original twelve disciples, outlived the others and found himself isolated and imprisoned as an old man on the isle of Patmos. How could he possibly serve the purpose of making disciples in this situation? But it was here that he wrote confidently of his future brothers and sisters in Christ: These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes (Revelation 14:4). In following the Lamb, John considered himself your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. He admitted that he was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 1:9)

Each of us should identify the challenge behind making disciples. Too often we want to point at others and say “it is hard to bring people to salvation” or “they have a wall of callous indifference” or “those stubborn backsliders are very difficult to turn around.” The real challenge lies in the condition of our own personal relationship with the Lord, who asks: “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” (John 9:28) This question confronts us in every situation we face, but do we even hear it? He is the only One whose indwelling Spirit can grow us and lead us to overcome our blind spots. We often do not realize that cultural pressures we consider “neutral” are deeply harmful in that they shield our spiritual eyes from seeing ourselves in the light of the Lord. They also silence us from speaking when He wants to speak through us.

I must ask myself: do I pursue the true wisdom that Jesus Christ is ready to impart to me? Am I foolish according to the wisdom of the world (1 Corinthians 1:27) to trust unreservedly in His word over worldly so-called wisdom? If not, then my attempted discipleship of others amounts to that of a false prophet. The testimony of Jesus Christ includes the fact that He is able to open the spiritual eyes of anyone who chooses to look to [Him] and be saved (Isaiah 45:22).

The greatest essential thing is remaining true to the call of God: to disciple those around us according to the authority of Jesus. There is another “authority” that pushes against this principle that does not come from God: it is rooted in our desire to make converts to our point of view. Beware! Any opinion of your own that does not align with the Author of the written word is from a different spirit (2 Corinthians 11:4), not from the Holy Spirit of God.

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples…” Matthew 28:18b-19a