Besides the words “I love you,” what would be your final parting thoughts to someone? Whatever they are, you know you’d want those words to be important, right? Someone’s parting words would be words we should hold on to, consider, and take seriously – words which sum up the most important final thoughts of a person’s life.

Well, Jesus’ parting words were no different. Take a look at Jesus’ final thoughts to his disciples in Matthew 28;

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,…”

Jesus’ directive, mandate and final words to his followers were to “go” and “make disciples.” It’s easy in our Western culture to feel like everyone already knows about Jesus, so we reason, “Who would I tell?” “What would I say?” Jesus didn’t instruct us to simply tell the story of him. He told us to make disciples of him. But what exactly does that mean?

The word “disciple” in Greek means “to become a pupil,” or “to be taught.” Essentially, a disciple is one who enrolls himself as a student of the word of God, or who seeks to be taught by Jesus!

With that definition in mind, it’s easy to see why so many Christians’ efforts to reach the lost have failed. In order for someone to be willing to be a pupil of Jesus, they must have an encounter with him that demonstrates the worth and the value of putting themselves under his teaching. And guess where that encounter comes from?

It comes from us! We are the embodiment of Jesus on this earth. And if we want to take Jesus’ mandate seriously, we must exhibit something about our lives that shows people that knowing Jesus is worth it! Every day as disciples of Jesus, we have the opportunity to show that Jesus has something valuable to offer everyone, and that his teachings change lives!

If you want to take the first step in being a disciple-maker, ask yourself, “What has Jesus done for you?” “What has Jesus taught you?” “What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve ever learned from Jesus?”

When you share your testimony about what Jesus has done in your life, and your life becomes an example of Jesus’ saving grace, it opens the doors for those wanting to learn more to be exposed to Jesus’ teachings.

Then, when people’s lives begin to change and they experience the benefit of knowing Jesus personally, they can’t help but want to learn more and more about Jesus’ saving work in our lives! This is why the Gospel is referred to as “The Good News!”

Thankfully, Jesus’ early disciples took his teachings to heart. They committed themselves to learning from him, (as confused as they were sometimes,) and when he left, and gave them instructions to do with others, what he did with them, they didn’t hesitate to get started, knowing what was at stake. You and I are the beneficiaries of the seeds Jesus planted in them 2,000 years ago.

My friend Terri Savelle Foy always asks this very poignant question at the end of her meetings; “Who is on the other side of your obedience?” In other words, who is waiting in the wings for you to tell them of the marvelous work of Jesus in your life? Who is looking for someone to walk with them and teach them what it means to “…love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength?” Who is asking God secretly in their heart, “God, is there anyone out there who can help me understand you?”

Jesus’ parting words should be just as meaningful to us today as they were to his disciples thousands of years ago. As Christians, we should know what it means to “go and make disciples.” And, if you’re struggling to understand how exactly to participate in the greatest mandate God has ever given his people, are you willing to learn? Are you willing to be taught by Jesus even if you don’t fully understand everything he’s saying? After all, that’s what being a true disciple is all about.