Jesus Says Go
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In this final class of the quarter, teacher Clint Davison challenged the congregation to understand what it truly means to be a disciple before attempting to make disciples of others. He referenced Dietrich Bonhoeffer's influential work "The Cost of Discipleship" and Bonhoeffer's famous statement: "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." Davison clarified that this call to "die" refers to dying to oneself and removing all obstacles that stand between a believer and Jesus Christ, not literal physical death. He emphasized that the abundant life Jesus promised only begins after we surrender ourselves completely to Him. The teacher traced the theme throughout the quarter—"Jesus Says Go"—which culminates in understanding the Great Commission from Matthew 28: to go and make disciples. However, Davison stressed the paradoxical truth that we cannot effectively make disciples until we ourselves have become true disciples. He addressed common hesitations, including discomfort with the term "discipling," and clarified that discipleship is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of following Christ. The New Testament consistently emphasizes this understanding: discipleship means putting everything aside that hinders our relationship with Jesus. Davison concluded by asserting that the Great Commission is not optional or limited to certain gifted individuals, but is the calling of every single Christian. Each believer must find their way to participate in making disciples within their sphere of influence, recognizing that true discipleship transforms our capacity and willingness to share the gospel with others.