The Great Commission, as it is called, in Matthew’s gospel is “Therefore, go, and make disciples . . . “ (Mt. 28:19). Literally, the text reads, “Make disciples as you are going.” Yet despite the clear outward focus from the word “go” and “make disciples”, somehow this verse is sometimes turned on its head and made to be an inward focus.

The command that Jesus has here is to make disciples of other people, not inward spiritual growth or the "discipling of one’s self." It doesn't say "be a disciple," but "make disciples." While passages of inward spiritual growth can be found, and this is needed in the Christian walk, this passage must be read as written. Furthermore, it must be taken in the context of the whole gospel(s).

What was the original call of the disciples in Matthew? What were they following Jesus for? It is clear that Jesus’ original call was a call with a purpose in mind: it was a call to mission. Note the following.

18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him (Matthew 4:18-19).

Following Jesus is about taking up the mission of Jesus, being “sent out to fish for people”--not about personal Spiritual growth. Jesus didn't say in this passage, follow me, so that you will grow Spiritually. Follow me so that you will be happy. Follow me so that you become a Bible scholar. 

Jesus could have said to follow him for a lot of different purposes. But it is clear from this passage that the call to follow Jesus in this passage is a call to reach others for Christ. And if we do this, we will grow spiritually, grow in our biblical knowledge, and find happiness (or joy), for nothing helps us grow more than taking the focus off of ourselves and seeking to reach and serve others.

May we take up the call of Jesus, being sent out to fish for people!

How do you read the Great Commission? How do you think this fits into the context of Matthew? What do you think that the relationship is between "disipleship" or "spiritual formation" and "mission"?