“The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’” (Luke 10:17-20, ESV)

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority 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, to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)

The Truth About Missions: Discipleship Over Qualification

As we train teams and send them to the field, the most common anxiety I hear is “I do not have the skills or qualifications to lead someone to Christ.” But the truth is that being on mission is more about being a disciple of Jesus than being a qualified evangelist.

God’s Role vs Our Role

Jesus did not call each of us to save souls; He called each of us to make disciples. The joy of saving souls is His job. Our first priority is to be disciples ourselves and to believe that Jesus really can do what He says He can do. We have a tendency to look at a lost person and try to measure whether or not we have the ability to lead them to Jesus. But I’m reminded that when David fought Goliath, he did not look at the size of the giant. Instead, he turned and looked to the Lord and believed God would lead him to victory.

Walking in His Authority

So in the end, making disciples is about our relationship with Jesus and walking in the truth that He really does save souls. It is not about the backslider, the hardhearted friend, the guilt ridden loved one, or the spiritual aptitude of the evangelist. It is about Jesus and the depth of our belief in His holy power to transform lives forever. All authority is His and He’s transferred this power to you … therefore, go and make disciples of all nations.

Jesus, help us walk in belief that You have given us the authority and ability to effectively make disciples of the nations. Amen.

-from Michael G., an Area Director of Short-term Trips