19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
20. Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you: and loe, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.
19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
20. Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you: and loe, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.
What Did Jesus Really Say?
Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19 is clear—but do modern translations give many believers an incomplete or even incorrect understanding of what He meant? And if so, could Christians unintentionally be falling short of what it means to follow Christ? To fully understand Jesus’ words, we must lean on the original Greek text.
One of the most noticeable differences between the Greek text and some English translations is this: the word “make” is not in the Greek text. Another reason for misunderstanding what Jesus meant is that most readers overlook the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, where the “Great Commission” is also mentioned. In Mark 16:15 Jesus says: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” The New Living Translation replaces “creature” with “everyone.” While the Gospel of Mark simplifies the mandate, the Gospel of Matthew is more popular with readers.
So we see that Jesus could not have said “go and make disciples of all nations,” as many modern translations have written. Furthermore, you cannot turn a nation into a disciple. In the original Greek, the phrase “panta ta ethne” is used instead of the English word “nations,” and it means “all ethnic groups.” The English translation is not only confusing, but also neither linguistically nor practically possible. But for the English lexicon, along with the authority given to the disciples, adding the word “make” was intended to ensure the phrase flows in English.
Jesus did say, “Therefore having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you.” Here we see the challenge the translators faced—the Greek phrasing that states, “disciple all nations”, which sounds confusing in English. We are back at the same problem—you cannot turn a nation into a disciple.
What Jesus Meant
But the King James translators resolved this by understanding the use of the Greek word “matheteúsate” (disciple) and translating it correctly into English. They recognized that disciple is being used as a verb meaning teach. Jesus was not referring to people as disciples in this phrase—He was referring to the act of discipling, the act of teaching. He was calling His followers to go and instruct—training people from every background in the way of Christ by guiding them into His truth, helping them grow a desire to obey everything He commanded.
It is also worth noting that mathétés is the noun form of the word disciple, which literally translates to “learner” or “pupil.” The Twelve should be held in high regard because Jesus chose them to walk closest to Him. But we should not disregard the fact that they were still learners of His way, just like the other 70 who were sent out on missions, and like those of us who follow Him today. Like us, they were sinners, and they stumbled to follow Him like we do today. They were learning the same instruction we are learning, and teaching the same truth we teach—ordinary people following an extraordinary Savior, just as we do today.
The Holy Spirit Trains You to Be a Disciple
I fear that modern translations have made many Christians feel inadequate for the very mission that Jesus commands all of His followers to fulfill—not because they lack spiritual understanding, because rigid wording and teaching makes them believe they must “make disciples” in a way that makes them feel unqualified. Jesus knows every believer is a worthy disciple, fully capable of teaching His way as they learn from Him—just as His disciples did. Jesus simply calls us to live and teach His way. And this is one of the very reasons the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer: to lead us to the truth, remind us of who we are in Christ, and to empower us to be models to others as we grow in Christ ourselves.
Philosophy Can Complicate God’s Word
In Colossians 2:8, Paul warns believers not to be taken captive by ‘vain philosophy’—human traditions and wise-sounding theology that often overshadows the simplicity of Scripture. Yet today, equal if not greater authority is given to theological systems built by men such as Calvin (Calvinism) or Arminius (Arminianism). Such philosophies have, in many instances twisted Scriptures and made them feel beyond common understanding. And when human philosophies rise to the level of Scripture, God’s Word can feel distant or too complicated to comprehend. This can lead believers into false teachings or away from the Word entirely.
Does this mean we should eliminate preachers, pastors, ministers, and theologians? God forbid! Preachers with the gift to deliver messages that form the foundation of a believer’s week are priceless—when those messages are rooted in Scripture. Pastors who nurture spiritual growth can be vital to both a church and its community. The guidance, structure, and care provided by ministers is a special gift of its own. And sound theologians who bring clarity to Scripture perform an essential service.
What A Disciple Is
The disciple is one who reflects the church as the body of Christ, outside of and beyond the church building—not just on Sundays, but every day. A disciple walks like Christ at home, work, in public, and in their relationships. Others sense the love of Jesus in them, hear the truth of Jesus flow from them, and see the character and integrity of Jesus in them wherever they go. Just like church leaders—but without the obligation to the church organization. A disciple’s identity is simply a follower of Christ, and is not tied to a pulpit, program, or ministry schedule.
Jesus called all who followed Him disciples. The challenge for them remains the same for us today—to continue learning from Him, and to apply what we are learning to how we live. We are all New Testament disciples once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and yield to His ways. And as His disciples, we are called to inspire others toward Christ through both our teaching and our example. This is exactly what Jesus did with His earthly ministry: He carried out the instructions of the Father, and we are given the same instructions because we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God.
Jesus’ Calls to Make Disciples
Matthew 4:19
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Luke 9:23
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
John 15:8
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.”
1 Peter 3:15
“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect.”
A Prayer to Live as a True Disciple of Christ
Father God in Heaven, I pray for spiritual enlightenment and the wisdom of Your Word. That the truth Your Spirit teaches me overflows abundantly when I speak of You. I pray that others see Christ in my actions, hear Christ in my words, and see His humility in my deeds. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Trinitarian Benediction
May the wisdom of God illuminate your path.
May the mind of Christ give you clarity.
And may the Holy Spirit guide you into truth and spiritual enlightenment.