You Can't Give What You Don't Have!
The Great Commission is interesting in what it says, and in what it does not say. Jesus never told His disciples to go out and save the world. That is His job. He told them to go and make disciples. There is a difference. And it is a big one.
We sometimes act as though the future of Christianity depends entirely on us. We need better programs, bigger crowds, more volunteers, and perhaps a more impressive coffee bar. We measure success by attendance, offerings, and how many people show up for the potluck.
But Jesus never said, “Go and build a successful organization.” He said, “Go and make disciples.”
And here is the catch. You cannot make disciples unless you are one yourself.
A disciple is more than someone who knows about Jesus. A disciple knows Jesus, follows Jesus, trusts Jesus, and is learning to live like Jesus. You cannot lead someone into a relationship you do not have yourself.
Remember when the seventy returned from their mission? They were thrilled because even the demons obeyed them. Jesus reminded them that their greatest joy was not their success, but that their names were written in heaven (Luke 10:17–20).
In other words, don't confuse what you do for Jesus with your relationship with Jesus.
That is a dangerous mistake, especially for those of us who spend our lives doing church work. We can become so busy serving Jesus that we forget to spend time with Him. We can know the Bible, teach it, and preach it
while slowly neglecting the One the Bible is about.
Jesus gives us a better way.
Before He tells us to go, He reminds us that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him (Matthew 28:18). And after He tells us to go, He promises to be with us always (Matthew 28:20).
Notice where the power comes from. Not our talent. Not our programs. Not our determination. Him.
Our calling is to follow faithfully, share His Word, love people, and point them toward Jesus. God takes care of the saving.
So perhaps the most important question today is not, “What am I doing for Jesus?”
It is this:
“Am I walking closely enough with Jesus that others can follow me toward Him?”
Have a Great Week!
-Pastor Corey
