One of the greatest joys I’ve had to date is baptizing new believers into the Christian faith—especially my children (that’s my son, Timothy, above!). Experiences like that—especially given the disheartening state of politics—are far more compelling than Hillary’s email server, collusion with Russia, or Donald’s tweets. It’s not that I don’t want justice to “roll down;” I do. It’s not that I don’t want to hold power to account, particularly if there’s deceit and nefarious intent; I do. It’s just conversion and transformation from the inside out connect me directly to Jesus’ heart for the world:
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:18-20, NLT)
Here’s why this passage excites me:
- Jesus is the most powerful God-man over the world: “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” “God is the “great king over all the earth.” (Psa. 47:2, NRSV) Putin, Kim Jong Un, and President Trump all seem puny from this perspective. The blow-hard rhetoric and actions of every world leader—even their true intentions—are under the sovereign control of God. As Proverbs says, “A king’s heart is a water stream that the LORD controls; he directs it wherever he pleases.” (21:1, NIV) Further, only the Sovereign Spirit knows the key to our hearts and can change our desires.
- Those who love Jesus have a very important job to do—one that requires initiative, intention, and action: “Go and make disciples…” The ESV Study Bible notes that, “The imperative (make disciples, that is, call individuals to commit to Jesus as Master and Lord) explains the central focus of the Great Commission, while the Greek participles (translated go, baptizing, and “teaching” [v.20]) describe aspects of the process.”[1] This job requires that we reach out in loving relationship. That we also honor God, refresh, and serve in our vocational callings. That we also say something about God, give away an appropriate book about faith, or invite someone to church. As a professor of mine used to say, “If we have a testimony of life without ever having a testimony of lip, how will anyone ever know why we do what we do?”
- Aside from the home, the local church is the primary context of discipleship: “Baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is an identification rite, a way to become part of both a local and universal body of believers. Baptism attaches us to the church of the living God and an organized structure of pastors, elders, and deacons. Discipleship is a long-term process, the beginning of which is closely associated with baptism into a local church or parish. Therefore, discipleship done God’s way requires local congregations. Practically, maturity requires mentoring and life-change happens best in community—especially Sunday morning worship, small groups, and marriage and family.
- Learning to be a Christian is a process: “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” Newborns are very dependent, vulnerable, and need to learn many things. They’re not good at rules. It’s the same with baby Christians. Grace, watchful care, nurture, kind instruction, and lots and lots of patience are how discipleship gets done. And even when one learns to obey Jesus, rejecting the legalism of some, we still need to do so out of love and gratitude, not fear (1 John 4:18).
- God loves diversity: “Make disciples of all nations.” I’m a white guy that was born in America but, honestly, churches where everyone looks like me are sterile and boring. One day, people out of every kindred tongue, tribe, and nation will worship at the feet of the Lamb. (Rev. 5:9) This being so, it’s a lot of fun to start now worshipping and learning with and from other races, ethnicities, and cultures. That’s how churches expand and grow in healthy ways.
- We are loved by the King of the Universe and never alone: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” In light of the good news of the gospel—including the eternal presence of Christ promised here, these psalms come alive:
- “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge…” (36:7a, NRSV)
- “You give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life…” (36:8b-9a, NRSV)
- “Great is the Lord who delights in the welfare of his servant.” (35:27b, NRSV)
[1] The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossways, 2008), 1888.