Discipleship as a Lifestyle
By Meridith Curtis
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…"
— Matthew 28:19a (ESV)
In the final verses of Matthew's Gospel, we encounter Jesus' last words to His disciples—words that have shaped the mission of the Church for over two millennia. Known as the Great Commission, Matthew 28:18–20 is often cited in evangelistic rallies, mission conferences, and church planting seminars. But what if we've narrowly interpreted Jesus' command as solely about going and converting? What if discipleship is not merely a church program or a post-conversion class—but a whole-of-life calling?
I want to invite you into a broader and deeper vision of discipleship—not as an event but as a lifestyle. Drawing from Matthew 28:18–20 and insights from my book Kingdom Living, we'll explore how the Great Commission calls us not only to share the Gospel but to embody it in every area of life.
The Great Commission
Let's begin by examining the text itself:
"And Jesus came and said to them, '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.'"
— Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV)
These words are not just a command; they are a commissioning built on three foundational truths:
1. All Authority (v.18)
Jesus begins by declaring that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. This isn't just a theological statement; it's a paradigm shift. In Kingdom Living, I wrote:
"To be a disciple is to live under the reign of a King who rules over everything. When we grasp that Jesus has all authority, we stop compartmentalizing our faith. There is no secular-sacred divide in the Kingdom."
This authority gives weight to everything that follows. When we engage in discipleship, we do so not in our own power or cleverness but under the sovereign rule of Christ. His authority is the foundation of our mission.
2. Make Disciples (v.19)
The main verb in this passage is not "go" but "make disciples." Going is important, but it serves the greater goal of discipling. This implies intentional, relational, and transformational living. In Kingdom Living, I put it this way:
"Discipleship is not about downloading information but cultivating imitation. It's about walking so closely with Jesus that others can follow your footsteps."
Discipleship requires more than Sunday sermons. It demands proximity, patience, and participation. It looks like inviting people into your home, into your routines, into your real life. It's helping others learn to hear Jesus, obey Him, and love like Him.
3. All Nations (v.19)
The scope of the mission is global, but its strategy is personal. Nations are reached one disciple at a time. This decentralizes the work of ministry. The Great Commission isn't a job description for clergy—it's a call for every believer.
"The Church's strength is not in its seating capacity but in its sending capacity."
— Kingdom Living
Whether you're a teacher, entrepreneur, stay-at-home parent, artist, or engineer—your calling is missional. Your workplace is a mission field. Your neighborhood is a discipleship classroom.
Discipleship Beyond Evangelism
One of the most common misconceptions about the Great Commission is equating it solely with evangelism. But Jesus doesn't just say, "Preach the Gospel"; He says, "Teach them to observe all I have commanded you." That's obedience-based discipleship.
In Kingdom Living, I describe discipleship this way:
"Discipleship is the lifelong process of learning to live under the rule of Jesus in every area—thought life, family life, work life, emotional life, and even our leisure."
Let's break down what that looks like practically:
1. In the Home
Parents are primary disciple-makers. Not in a formal, curriculum-driven sense, but in the rhythms of everyday life. Mealtimes, discipline moments, bedtime prayers—each is an opportunity to model Jesus.
"Your home is not just a shelter. It's a sanctuary of formation."
— Kingdom Living
2. In the Marketplace
Integrity, diligence, generosity, and servant leadership are all marks of Kingdom influence. When we see our vocations as holy callings, work becomes worship and discipleship happens in boardrooms and break rooms.
3. In Suffering and Struggle
Real discipleship includes helping others walk with Jesus through pain, grief, and uncertainty. Our scars become maps for those behind us.
"The way you suffer can disciple someone just as powerfully as the way you succeed."
— Kingdom Living
Empowering the Lifestyle
Jesus ends the Commission with a promise: "I am with you always." This is more than comfort—it's empowerment. We don't disciple in our own strength. His Spirit is the one who transforms hearts.
In Kingdom Living, I reflect:
"We disciple in partnership with the Living Christ. His presence is the power behind every act of obedience, every conversation, every small seed of faithfulness."
This should both humble and embolden us. Discipleship doesn't depend on your perfection—it depends on your presence and His power.
Living the Great Commission Every Day
So, what does it mean to live out the Great Commission as a lifestyle? Here are five practical invitations:
- Be Available
Discipleship starts with presence. Make space in your life for people—not just appointments. - Be Imitable
Can someone follow Jesus by following your example? Live authentically and transparently. - Be Intentional
Don't wait for discipleship to happen—initiate it. Invite someone to coffee. Ask good questions. Pray together. - Be Teachable
You're still a disciple too. Stay in the posture of a learner, under the Lordship of Jesus. - Be Rooted in Christ
Spend time with Jesus. You cannot make disciples of Christ if you're not following Him yourself.
Discipleship as a Way of Being
The Great Commission isn't just about missions trips and altar calls. It's about embodying the life of Jesus so fully that others can't help but want to follow Him too. It's about making disciples not only through what we say but through how we live.
Let's stop thinking of discipleship as a side ministry and start seeing it as the very fabric of Kingdom life.
"You don't need a platform to make disciples. You need a posture—of humility, hospitality, and holiness."
— Kingdom Living
May we go—not just across oceans but across the street. May we teach—not just with our words but with our lives. And may we live—every day—as those who have been sent.
Jesus said, "Go." Let's go—and live.
Ready to go deeper in living out your faith? MTC Nashville offers disciple-making training and a residency program to help you live with eternal purpose right where God has placed you. Learn more at https://mtc-nashville.com.
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