It Was Never Optional

If I told you Jesus left a letter in your mailbox with incredibly important instructions just for you, you’d probably drop everything to read it. Suddenly, everything else would seem way less important. Here’s the crazy part—he actually has given us clear directions. It’s called the Great Commission, and it’s essentially this: your mission today is to help make disciples. That’s what Jesus left us to do. The call is simple, straightforward, and strong enough to change the world.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20).

Someone’s last words usually stick with us. So you’d think the final words of Jesus—like the Great Commission—would shape how we live, right? But honestly, many Christians quote it more than they actually live it.

Jesus told us to go and make disciples, but we’ve treated that command as optional. For many, the Great Commission has turned into the Great Suggestion. We hear it, but we don’t always do it. We leave it to pastors or church staff to accomplish, while we sit on the sidelines like it’s not our responsibility. But Jesus didn’t give that mission to just a few—he gave it to all of us. The truth is, if you’re a disciple, you’re meant to continue spiritual growth and also meant to help someone else experience that too. That’s the whole point. Jesus didn’t say, “Get people to repeat a prayer and then you’re done.” He said to make disciples—people who develop, mature, and eventually help others grow.

We’ve gotten used to counting conversions, but we rarely follow up to see if those people are actually growing in their faith. Why? Because that part is more challenging. It takes extended time, ongoing patience, and genuine relationships. And yes, it can feel overwhelming when you don’t know where to start or worry if you’ll mess it up. But doing nothing isn’t an option.

The church is full of people who should be further along in their faith by now. We keep wondering why there’s so little spiritual maturity, but maybe it’s because we’ve focused more on the moment of salvation than on the process of following Jesus.

Conversion is essential, but it’s not the whole story. If we care about people, we can’t stop at the first step. We need someone to walk with us as we grow.