More Than Just Sharing Faith: How A Genuine Discipleship Encounter Draws Us Into Greater Intimacy With the Trinity
Introduction:
Jesus’ command to “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) isn’t simply a directive for spreading a message. It’s an invitation to participate in a transformative process that impacts not just those we encounter, but us as well. Often, we focus solely on how evangelization can draw others into an intimate relationship with Jesus. But what if these discipleship encounters were also designed to draw us into a deeper union with the Trinity? What if the very act of sharing our faith and love for Christ was also the key to our own sanctification?
The Great Commission: A Two-Way Street
We are called to be the voice, the hands, and the feet of Jesus in the world. When we engage in discipleship, we’re stepping into the very mission of Christ. We’re not simply delivering information; we’re offering an encounter with the living God. This act of sharing, of pouring out the love we’ve received, creates a powerful spiritual dynamic. But it’s a dynamic that flows in both directions.
The Virtues as the Bridge:
The success of a discipleship encounter hinges not just on what we say, but how we say it, and how we live. The Sermon on the Mount provides a roadmap for how we are to engage with others. Humility, meekness, mercy, and a hunger for righteousness – these aren’t just admirable traits, they are the very qualities that draw people to Christ. And in actively cultivating these virtues, something incredible happens: we grow in closer union with the Trinity.
- Humility: When we approach others with humility, recognizing our own brokenness and our dependence on God’s grace, we mirror the humility of Jesus who, though divine, became one of us. This act of putting aside ego and pride opens us to receive the grace that God pours out, both for ourselves and the person we are ministering to.
- Meekness: The gentle strength of meekness allows us to be led by the Holy Spirit. We become channels of God’s peace, rather than relying on our own strength or intellect. This submission to God’s will deepens our dependence on Him and aligns our hearts with His.
- Mercy: When we extend mercy to others, we reflect the boundless mercy of God the Father. We grow in understanding His forgiveness, and our hearts become more compassionate, like Christ who had such a tender heart for others.
- Hunger and thirst for righteousness: This constant seeking after God’s will through his word, prayer and community draws us closer to the very heart of our relationship with the trinity. It reinforces the importance of our relationship with God.
The Transformative Power of Shared Faith:
The act of discipleship, therefore, isn’t just about transmitting information, it’s about embodying the Gospel. It’s about living a life so aligned with Christ that others are drawn to Him through the love and light that emanates from us. The very act of seeking to impart faith in Jesus forces us to more deeply reflect on and embody our own faith. The need to articulate our faith makes us think deeper. The need to show mercy makes our own heart more tender. We are refined and purified in the process. We begin to resemble Christ more closely by our daily efforts to live like him.
A Cycle of Grace:
The discipleship encounter becomes a cycle of grace: As we draw others closer to Jesus, we ourselves are drawn deeper into the heart of God. We realize that the Great Commission isn’t just an external directive, but an internal invitation—an opportunity to grow in holiness as we serve others. The fruits of discipleship—faith, love, and hope—become more abundant in our own lives as we invest them in others.
Conclusion:
Let us approach evangelization not just as a task, but as a sacred dance of grace. We must strive to embody the virtues of Christ and let them reflect outwardly so that others will see Jesus in us. By humbling ourselves, showing mercy, seeking righteousness, and becoming channels of God’s love, we will not only be a light to others but will also be drawn into an ever deeper intimacy with our Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the end, the Great Commission isn’t just about making disciples; it’s about becoming more fully disciples ourselves, transformed in the very act of loving and sharing the message of salvation.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power 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, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post