Re-Examining the Great Commission, Part 2 | 02/08/2026 | Grace Church Fremont

The teaching reframes the Great Commission as a concise, identity-shaping command: disciple. Beginning with Matthew 28:18–20, the exposition insists that Jesus’ given authority is the foundation for discipleship, not an invitation to pursue authority for its own sake. The familiar words “go” and “make disciples” are unpacked linguistically—“go” functions as a participle meaning “as you live your life,” and the Greek places disciple as the verb, so the central action is to disciple, not merely to produce converts through programs. Drawing on Greek philosophical apprenticeships and Hebrew rabbinic practice, discipleship is shown to be apprenticeship: close proximity, repeated imitation, and lifestyle obedience that form character over time.

The teaching contrasts this apprenticeship model with common modern assumptions: discipleship is not primarily an information-transfer task, a consumer-driven personal journey, or a set of programs. Instead, it is inherently relational, communal, and incarnational—formed by life-on-life relationships where credibility and character matter more than giftedness or polished platforms. The phrase “all nations” is reinterpreted through first-century Jewish expectation: it signified outsiders and Gentiles entering the kingdom by voluntary allegiance, not by conquest. Thus the spread of God’s kingdom is presented as accomplished through obedient apprenticeship that welcomes every people group into voluntary allegiance to Christ.

Four theological emphases emerge: discipleship is not optional or specialized but a universal calling; it is formed through relationship rather than media or curriculum; credibility—moral formation and transparent character—enables effective apprenticeship; and discipleship must transcend cultural preferences and biases to include all peoples. Practical reflection questions conclude the exposition, asking about time allocation, intentional one-on-one relationships, and personal areas that undermine credibility. The teaching closes with a pastoral call to transparency, mutual formation, and willingness to pay the cost of character growth so that the kingdom advances by making apprentices who live like their teacher.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Discipleship is the central command Discipleship is presented not as an optional ministry track but as the defining vocation of every follower: to form apprentices whose identity and behavior are shaped by Christ. This reframes spiritual priorities from programmatic activity to intentional formation—where spiritual growth is judged by likeness to Jesus more than attendance or information. Obedience and imitation become the metrics of faithfulness rather than mere belief statements. [46:28]
• 2. Discipleship forms by apprenticeship True discipleship is apprenticeship: close proximity, repeated practice, and imitation over time that produce moral formation. This apprenticeship model requires presence, shared life rhythms, and patient investment rather than one-way content delivery. It privileges relationships where the teacher’s character is observable and reproducible in the learner. [39:08]
• 3. Identity precedes religious activity The gospel establishes identity first—being a subject in God’s kingdom—then shapes conduct; discipleship flows from who one is before God. When identity is rooted in Christ, behavior, priorities, and witness follow organically as expressions of allegiance rather than performance. This undermines consumeristic patterns that treat church as optional activity rather than a formative family. [47:04]
• 4. Discipleship crosses cultural boundaries “All nations” in Matthew calls for discipling outsiders into voluntary allegiance, not cultural domination or selective outreach. Kingdom growth happens as apprentices from every background are formed to live like Jesus, cutting across ethnicity, politics, and personal preference. Discipleship requires intentionally reaching beyond comfort zones and cultural idols that limit the scope of God’s invitation. [48:05]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [25:33] - Super Bowl Day & Opening Notes
• [29:05] - Church Vision: Priorities Explained
• [30:58] - Matthew 28:18–20 Read Together
• [31:36] - Authority: Foundation for Mission
• [33:35] - “Go” Reexamined: Living Life
• [38:45] - What “Disciple” Really Means
• [48:05] - “All Nations”: Inclusion Explained
• [54:18] - Four Theological Truths About Discipleship
• [60:14] - Reflection Questions for Action
• [65:32] - Prayer and Response
• [67:52] - Membership & Final Announcements

1. According to the passage, what is the foundation or basis for the command that follows?
2. The word "go" in this command is a participle in the original language. What does this imply about how the command is to be carried out in daily life? [33:08]
3. What are the two specific actions mentioned that define the unique elements of Christian discipleship?
4. What promise does Jesus give at the end of this commission?

1. The command is to "disciple all nations." For a first-century Jewish audience, who would "all nations" or "the nations" have referred to, and why would this have been a surprising or challenging instruction? [48:05]
2. Discipleship is described as apprenticeship, involving close proximity, repetition, and imitation. How does this model contrast with a modern, information-based approach to spiritual growth? [39:08]
3. The passage states that spiritual transformation flows from our identity in Christ. How does understanding our primary identity as a subject in God's kingdom change our motivation for obedience? [47:04]
4. Why is credibility and character described as more important than giftedness or knowledge for someone who is discipling others? [56:28]

1. Discipleship is the central command for every follower of Jesus, not a specialized task for a few. How is this priority currently shaping your time, your key relationships, and the choices you make each week? [01:00:31]
2. Disciples are formed through life-on-life relationship, not through media or programs alone. Who are you intentionally walking with in close proximity for the purpose of mutual spiritual formation? Is this relationship characterized by transparency and a willingness to address areas of struggle? [01:01:00]
3. Our credibility to disciple others is connected to our own character and willingness to be formed. What area of your life—perhaps a hidden struggle, a relational conflict, or a persistent sin—most undermines your credibility as an apprentice of Jesus? What specific step are you willing to take this week to address it? [01:02:17]
4. The call to disciple "all nations" pushes against our cultural preferences and biases. What people group, ethnicity, or social circle do you naturally avoid or feel uncomfortable with? What is one practical way you can move toward that group to demonstrate the inclusive welcome of God's kingdom? [57:12]
5. The Great Commission is about making apprentices, not just converts. Think of one person in your life who doesn't yet follow Jesus. Instead of just hoping they eventually believe, what would it look like to intentionally invite them to "come and see" your life and the life of your community, observing how Jesus shapes your choices and relationships?
6. Apprenticeship requires a commitment to imitation and obedience, not just information. What is one specific teaching or command of Jesus that you understand well but find difficult to obey? Who could you invite to help you practice this obedience in a more consistent way?
7. The promise of Jesus' presence is given for the task of discipling. When you feel inadequate or fearful about investing in others, how can you actively rely on this promise rather than your own abilities or confidence?