Lesson 22: Go Therefore — Sending and Discipleship

Introduction

This is it. Lesson 22. The last lesson of this discipleship training. You started at the gospel and you have now arrived at the moment to which everything has led: the sending out. You have learned about Jesus Christ, about His sacrifice, about baptism, about deliverance, about growth, about prayer, about the Holy Spirit, about discipline, about God's Word, about righteousness, about repentance, about faith, about God's law, about the day of rest, about man and woman, about the church, and about telling the gospel.

But all that knowledge is useless if you do nothing with it. James puts it sharply:

James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves.

It is now time to stand up, go out the door and do what Jesus has commanded you. Not tomorrow, not next week, not “when I am ready” — now. For the world is waiting. People are perishing. The harvest is great. And Jesus says: Go therefore!

Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go 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 things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

1. Jesus' last words: go therefore

The last words of someone are always the most important. When someone knows he is about to die or leave, he does not say something unimportant. He says what is most on his heart. The last words of Jesus before His ascension were no theological treatise. It was a commission. A sending. A mission.

“Go therefore” — two little words that have changed the world. Twelve ordinary men received this commission, and within one generation the gospel was spread throughout the Roman Empire. Without internet, without social media, without airplanes, without printing presses. Just: people who went and told the good news.

And now, two thousand years later, the same commission sounds to you. Go therefore. Not: “Stay where you are.” Not: “Wait until you are perfect.” Not: “Leave that to the minister.” No: you. Go. Therefore.

John 20:21 Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”

Jesus sends you as the Father has sent Him. That is an overwhelming thought. The Father sent Jesus with a mission of love and salvation. Now Jesus sends you with that same mission. You are a sent one — an ambassador, a missionary. Not only when you go to Africa or Asia, but also in your own street, in your own city, at your own workplace.

2. Make disciples, not just converts

Jesus' commission is not: “Make converts.” It is: “Make disciples.” That is a crucial difference. A convert is someone who has prayed a prayer and said “yes” to Jesus. A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, learns from Him and obeys Him — every day of his life.

Matthew 28:19-20 Go 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 things that I commanded you.

Notice the three parts of making disciples:

1. Make disciples — Proclaim the gospel so that people come to faith.
2. Baptize them — Lead them through baptism by immersion as a sign of their new life.
3. Teach them to observe all things — Walk with them in obeying everything Jesus has commanded.

The third point is where things often go wrong in the church. We are good at evangelizing (point 1) and sometimes also at baptizing (point 2), but we often leave people behind after their conversion. They come to faith, are baptized, and then... nothing. No guidance, no teaching, no discipleship. That is like bringing a baby into the world and then abandoning it to its fate.

Jesus did it differently. He chose twelve men and invested three years of His life in them. He taught them, ate with them, walked with them, corrected them, encouraged them. When He left, they were ready to turn the world upside down. That is discipleship.

Luke 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

The goal of discipleship is that the disciple becomes like his master. That means that you, when you disciple someone, have as your goal that that person will resemble Jesus — not you. You are merely a channel for what Jesus has taught you.

3. The principle of multiplication

Here we come to the heart of the matter. Paul writes to his spiritual son Timothy:

2 Timothy 2:2 The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same things to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

Count the generations in this one verse: (1) Paul teaches Timothy, (2) Timothy teaches faithful men, (3) those faithful men teach others again. Three generations of discipleship in one verse! This is the principle of multiplication. It is not: one person reaches a thousand people. It is: one person reaches two, who each reach two, who each reach two — and so the Kingdom spreads like wildfire.

The key is: do not just make converts, but make disciples who in turn make disciples. That was the model of Jesus, that was the model of Paul, and that may also be your model. Invest in people. Teach them God's Word. Walk with them. And teach them to do the same with others.

4. Paul and Timothy: a model of discipleship

The relationship between Paul and Timothy is a beautiful picture of what discipleship looks like. Paul calls Timothy “my beloved son” (2 Timothy 1:2) and “my child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). It was a deep, personal, loving relationship.

Philippians 2:19-22 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered up when I know how you are doing. For I have no one else like-minded, who will truly care about you. For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. But you know that he has proved himself. As a child serves a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the Good News.

2 Timothy 1:2-7 to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy; having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you, which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also. For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

What do we see here?

• Personal relationship — Paul prayed without ceasing for Timothy, thought of him and longed for him.
• Encouragement — He reminded Timothy of his faith and of the gift of grace that was in him.
• Exhortation — He called Timothy not to be afraid, but to live in power, love and self-control.
• Exemplary life — Timothy had worked with Paul, seen how he lived and served.
• Faith inheritance — Faith had been passed on from grandmother to mother to son. That is multiplication!

This is the model. Find someone to disciple. Not a group of a hundred — begin with one or two. Pray for them, walk with them, teach them God's Word, be honest and transparent about your own struggles and victories. That is discipleship.

5. Jesus invested three years in twelve men

Jesus is the Son of God. He could have reached the whole world at once. He could have held a mega-campaign, written a book, set up a worldwide network. But what did He do? He chose twelve ordinary men and invested three years of His life in them.

Mark 3:13-14 He went up into the mountain, and called to himself those whom he wanted, and they went to him. He appointed twelve, that they might be with him, and that he might send them out to preach,

Notice the order: first “be with Him,” then “sent out to preach.” Discipleship begins with relationship, not with performance. Jesus wanted the twelve first to be with Him — to know Him, see Him, learn from Him — before they were sent out.

Those twelve men were no theologians, no priests, no scholars. They were fishermen, a tax collector, ordinary workers. But after three years with Jesus they were transformed. Jesus taught them not only by words, but by His life. They saw how He prayed, how He treated the sick and sinners, how He reacted to opposition, how He forgave, how He loved. They did not learn from a book — they learned from a Person. And that is exactly how discipleship works: not just transmitting information, but sharing your life.

And with those twelve men (plus Paul, who was called later) God conquered the world.

Acts 17:6b These who have turned the world upside down have come here also.

Turned the world upside down! Twelve men who had been with Jesus. That is the power of discipleship. It is not about numbers — it is about depth. Better two people whom you disciple thoroughly than a hundred whom you reach superficially.

Jesus chose His twelve after a night of prayer (Luke 6:12-13). He knew exactly whom He needed. Not the strongest, not the smartest, not the most religious — but the most willing. Peter was impulsive, Thomas doubting, Matthew a tax collector hated by everyone. But Jesus did not see who they were — He saw who they could become through His grace.

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble; but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world that he might put to shame the things that are strong. God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should boast before God.

God chooses the weak, the foolish, the despised — so that all the honor goes to Him. If you have ever felt too small, too dumb, too incompetent for the work of God, then you have good news: you are exactly the type that God is seeking. He does not seek superheroes — He seeks ordinary people who are willing to be used by Him.

6. They went everywhere

The book of Acts is the story of ordinary people who did extraordinary things through the power of the Holy Spirit. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost they did not stop.

Acts 8:4 Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word.

Acts 11:19-21 They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

The gospel did not spread through programs or campaigns, but because ordinary believers spoke about Jesus wherever they went. Some were scattered by persecution — what the enemy meant as an attack, God used as a strategy to spread the gospel. So God works: what the devil intends for evil, God turns for good (Genesis 50:20).

Acts 5:42 Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus, the Christ.

Every day! Not only on Sunday. Not only in the temple. But also from house to house, every day. The gospel was their life, their breath, their passion. May it be so for you too.

The book of Acts does not end with an “ending” — it ends open. Paul is in Rome and preaches the gospel. The story is not over. We write the sequel. You write the sequel. The book of Acts goes on, in your life, in your city, in your time. Every time you tell the gospel, every time you lead someone to Jesus, every time you make a disciple — you write a new chapter in the story of God's work on earth.

Acts 28:30-31 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him, preaching God's Kingdom, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.

“With all boldness, without hindrance” — even from imprisonment Paul preached the gospel. Nothing could stop him. Nothing may stop you. Not your circumstances, not your limitations, not your fear, not the opposition. The gospel is stronger than every chain.

7. The fields are white for harvest

In John 4, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at the well. After their conversation the disciples go to the village to buy food. When they come back, Jesus says something remarkable:

John 4:35 Don't you say, ‘There are yet four months until the harvest?’ Behold, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and look at the fields, that they are white for harvest already.

The disciples saw a Samaritan village — Jesus saw a harvest field. The disciples thought of bread — Jesus thought of souls. The disciples said: “It is not yet the time.” Jesus said: “Look better — it is the time now!”

Everywhere around you there are people who are ready to hear the gospel. Your colleague who has just lost his job. Your neighbor who is mourning the loss of her husband. The student who is searching for meaning. The teenager who is struggling with anxiety and depression. The fields are white! Lift up your eyes and look!

John 4:36-38 He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit to eternal life; that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true, ‘One sows, and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you haven't labored. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.

Sometimes you sow, sometimes you reap. Sometimes another sows and you may reap. It is not about who gets the credit — it is about the joy of the harvest. And we share that joy together.

8. Persevere to the end

Discipleship is no sprint — it is a marathon. You are not finished after twenty lessons. You have just begun! The life as a disciple lasts a lifetime, and Jesus calls us to hold out to the end:

Matthew 24:13 But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Revelation 2:10 Don't be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.

There will be difficult times. There will be persecution, opposition, temptation, discouragement. The enemy will try everything to make you stop. But Jesus says: hold out! Be faithful! The crown of life is waiting for you.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Keep your eyes on Jesus! He is the Author and Perfecter of the faith. He is not only the beginning — He is also the end. He will bring you home. He will keep you. He will not let go of you.

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

God has begun a good work in you, and He will complete it! You do not have to do it in your own strength. He who called you is faithful. He who saved you will keep you. He who sends you will protect you. The way of discipleship is sometimes difficult, sometimes lonely, sometimes painful — but you are never alone. Jesus has promised: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Isaiah 41:10 Don't you be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

In difficult moments, in moments of doubt, in moments of weariness — cling to these promises. God is with you. God is your strength. God is your help. He will uphold you with His right hand. Who or what can be against you if the almighty God is for you?

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

9. The crown of life

At the end of his life Paul wrote from prison to Timothy. He knew that his end was approaching. But there was no regret, no bitterness, no despair. Only joy and expectation:

2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.

What words! “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.” That is the goal of your life as a disciple: to be able to say at the end that you have been faithful. Not perfect — but faithful. Not flawless — but enduring.

And then awaits the crown of righteousness. Not only for Paul — but for “all those who have loved his appearing.” That is for you, if you love Jesus and look forward to His coming.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 Don't you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win. Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.

10. Looking back on the 20 lessons

Let us pause for a moment to consider what you have learned in these twenty lessons. It is good to look back and realize how much God has taught you:

• Lesson 1: The Gospel — God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
• Lesson 2-3: Baptism by immersion — Buried and risen with Christ.
• Lesson 4: Strongholds — Liberation from mental prisons.
• Lesson 5: Hope — God's promises for your life.
• Lesson 6: Living by the Spirit (part 1) — The old and new self.
• Lesson 7: Prayer — Speaking with your heavenly Father.
• Lesson 8: The Holy Spirit — Power from on high.
• Lesson 9: Discipline — Self-control and perseverance.
• Lesson 10: God's Word — The sword of the Spirit.
• Lesson 11: The Righteousness of Jesus Christ — Righteous by faith.
• Lesson 12: Living by the Spirit (part 2) — The fruit of the Spirit.
• Lesson 13: Repentance — Daily repentance and sanctification.
• Lesson 14: Faith — The foundation of our life.
• Lesson 15: God's Law — The law and grace.
• Lesson 16: The Day of Rest — God's rest for His people.
• Lesson 17: Man and Woman — God's design for man and woman.
• Lesson 18: The Church — The Body of Christ.
• Lesson 19: Telling the Gospel — Witnessing about Christ.
• Lesson 22: Go Therefore — Sending and discipleship.

Twenty lessons. Twenty steps on the way of discipleship. But the journey is not over — the journey is only really beginning now. Everything you have learned must now be put into practice. Not on your own, but together with other believers, led by the Holy Spirit, rooted in God's Word.

You have memorized a total of 60 Bible verses — a treasure of God's Word that you always carry with you, in your heart and in your thoughts. You have answered 400 Bible questions — questions that have forced you to think for yourself about what God's Word says and how it applies to your life. You have studied dozens of Bible passages and read hundreds of verses. That is an invaluable investment in your spiritual life.

But knowledge without application is dead. James compares it to someone who looks in a mirror and then walks away and forgets what he looked like (James 1:23-24). Don't let that be said of you. Be a doer of the Word. Put into practice what you have learned. Every day, in every circumstance, with every person God places on your path.

11. Now go and make disciples yourself!

This is the moment. You have received the teaching. You have studied the texts. You have answered the Bible questions. You have memorized Bible verses. Now it is time to do what you have learned.

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.

Begin in your “Jerusalem” — your own surroundings. Who in your direct circle does not yet know Jesus? Whom could you disciple? Begin with prayer. Ask God to open your eyes to the people He places on your path. And when He opens a door — step through it.

Here is a concrete plan to start:

1. Pray daily for at least three people who do not yet know Jesus.
2. Share your testimony with at least one person this week.
3. Find a disciple — someone you can guide in the faith. That can be a new convert, but also someone who has believed longer and wants to grow.
4. Use this training — go through the twenty lessons together. What you have learned, you can pass on to another.
5. Join a church — or start one! Where two or three gather in His name, there He is in their midst.

2 Timothy 2:2 The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same things to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

12. Closing prayer and blessing

We close this discipleship training with a prayer and a blessing. Pray this prayer out loud, from your heart, and believe that God will answer it:

And now, God's blessing upon your life:

Numbers 6:24-26 ‘Yahweh bless you, and keep you. Yahweh make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. Yahweh lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.’

Jude 1:24-25 Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

Go therefore. The world is waiting. Jesus goes with you. The Holy Spirit gives you strength. God's Word is your sword. The victory is certain. Go, and make disciples of all nations — to the honor and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 22:20-21 He who testifies these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.

Bible verses to memorize

Memorize the following three texts. These are the last three texts of the training — but keep memorizing God's Word, your whole life long!