Week 1: Understanding the Call to Discipleship
Lesson Objective
To understand the command Jesus gave us to make disciples, what it means for our lives today, and how we can begin living it out.
Key Scripture
Matthew 28:18–20 (NIV 1984)
“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, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
Teaching: The Great Commission — A Personal Calling
The final words Jesus spoke to His followers weren’t suggestions; they were a commission, a divine mandate. The moment we choose to follow Jesus, we are invited into His mission: to make disciples of all nations.
But too often, we reduce discipleship to attending church, learning doctrine, or maintaining good behaviour. Jesus’ vision was far more radical, He called us not just to believe in Him, but to become like Him and to help others do the same.
Discipleship is not a course or a program, it’s a way of life. It’s walking with Jesus daily, learning His heart, and allowing His Spirit to transform how we think, speak, and act.
When Jesus said “Go,” He didn’t only mean travel far away. He meant go wherever you are. Your home, your workplace, your friendships, these are your mission fields. The Great Commission is personal.
And here’s the promise that makes it possible:
“And surely I am with you always.”
The One who calls you also equips you. You never walk alone in this mission, His presence goes with you.
Reflection: The Disciple’s Identity
A “disciple” simply means a learner, a follower, an apprentice.
To be a disciple of Jesus is to sit at His feet, learn His ways, and imitate His life.
Ask yourself:
- What does being a disciple truly mean for me?
- Do I see discipleship as something I receive, or something I reproduce?
- Am I following Jesus closely enough that others could follow my example and grow closer to Him?
Questions for Reflection
- What does the word disciple mean to you personally?
- Why do you think Jesus made disciple-making such a central part of His mission?
- Who has helped you grow as a disciple? Who might God be calling you to disciple?
Action Steps
- Take time this week to reflect on your relationship with Jesus. Are you truly following Him, or just believing about Him?
- Write down one or two people in your life whom you could invite into a journey of discipleship, perhaps through prayer, conversation, or simply walking with them in life.
- Begin praying for those names daily, asking the Lord for opportunities to invest in their spiritual growth.
Group Discussion
- Share what being a disciple means to you.
- How does the Great Commission apply to your life today?
- What might “going” look like in your own daily environment?
Prayer Focus
Pray for understanding and courage.
Ask God to deepen your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus and to give you the courage to step into your role as a disciple-maker.
Pray for those God is calling you to reach, that their hearts would be open and that you would be sensitive to His leading.
Memory Verse
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”. Matthew 4:19 (NIV 1984)
Weekly Takeaway
Discipleship begins with obedience to Jesus’ call. You are not just a believer; you are a builder of His Kingdom. Every act of love, every word of truth, and every life you touch can become part of a movement that began with twelve ordinary people who simply said “yes” to Jesus.