The Great CommissionSample

It is helpful to remember that it was only after the Lord’s resurrection that He first spoke to His Apostles about their ministry of disciple-making. This subject was never directly referred to in the gospel accounts during their years spent together "in training."

However, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, when that instruction was finally given, not even one of the eleven inquired, "what do you mean Lord?" Does this surprise or even amaze you? Each one of them immediately understood! This was because of His example and the quantity of personal time which He spent with them. They weren't surprised because this is exactly what He had been showing them all along!

The Bible explains this saying,“…He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach.” (Mark 3:14)

Every Apostle was privileged to experience firsthand the Lord’s personal disciple-making ministry. Then, after His resurrection, as He prepared all of them for His ascension, He let them know that the time had come for them to each begin following His example.

Earlier, He had said, "…Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)

Now, He wanted them to start practicing all that they had observed. Jesus didn’t just make converts; they had been carefully trained to become reproducing disciple-makers.