Go and Make Disciples
Month 12: Sent & Standing Firm · Bible Story
Today's Scripture
Read together: Matthew 28:16-20
16 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Memory Verse
“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,”— Matthew 28:19 (BSB)memorize this week
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: Amos 7-9
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (Near Day 352 of 365 — Amos warns Israel, yet ends with God's promise to restore.)The Heart of It
After Jesus rose from the dead, He met His eleven friends on a mountain in Galilee. Some of them worshiped Him. Some still had a few doubts wobbling around inside (). And notice this. Jesus didn't scold them for it. Then He gave them the biggest job in the world. He didn't say, "Stay safe and keep quiet." He said, "Go." Go to all the nations. A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, learns from Him, is baptized, and obeys everything He taught. Jesus told them to help people become disciples like that. This is called the Great Commission. And it is still the marching order for every Christian family today, including yours.
Why would a few scared, doubting fishermen and friends actually do it? Because of the words tucked at the very beginning and the very end of His command. First He said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth" (v. 18). The One sending us is the King of everything. And last He said, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (v. 20). We are not sent out alone. We are not sent out empty. We go with the world's true King walking beside us. A disciple is not just someone who believes in Jesus quietly. A disciple is someone Jesus sends.
Around the Table
Jesus gave His friends a job: go and tell everyone about Him! And He promised to be with them the whole time.
Let's do it: March in place and say together, "Jesus says GO — and Jesus comes WITH me!"
A disciple learns from Jesus and then helps others learn from Jesus too. That's the difference between just believing and being sent.
Let's talk: Who is one person you could help take one step closer to Jesus this week?
Jesus knew some of them doubted, and He sent them anyway (v. 17). Obedience doesn't have to wait until every question is answered.
Let's go deeper: What's one doubt or fear that makes you hesitant to talk about Jesus? Could you "go" even while you're still working that out?
💬 Conversation Starter
If your whole family got handed one mission to do together this year, what would you want it to be?— Jesus already gave us one!
🛡️ Defending the Faith
The Great Commission shows the early Christians weren't trying to win arguments to feel smart — they were obeying their risen King out of love. When you share your faith, remember : speak the reason for your hope "with gentleness and respect," because we're inviting people in, not beating them in a debate.
For Dad · Go Deeper
It's easy to read "make disciples" as a job for missionaries and pastors "out there." But the grammar makes it personal: the one command in the sentence is make disciples, and the nearest disciples you're called to make are sitting at your own table. Your home is the first nation you've been sent to. The promise "I am with you always" isn't reserved for a stage or a mission field — it's for the ordinary Tuesday when you're tired and a kid asks a hard question. You don't disciple from your own authority or your own strength; you disciple under His authority and in His presence. Lead from that rest, not from pressure.
Draws on: Tony Evans, Kingdom Disciples.
Let's Pray Together
"Father, thank You that Jesus is King over heaven and earth, and that He sends us out and stays with us. Make our family disciples who make disciples. Give us courage and kindness to go. In Jesus' name, amen."
Jesus sends me with all His authority and all His presence — I never go alone.