Obedient Leadership

Peter leads a large group of disciples to an isolated (perhaps secretive) meeting where Jesus gives them their final marching orders. Then they return to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit as the movement enters its next phase of multiplication. Let’s take a look at these last two encounters with the disciples.

Questions from your reading

• What were the marching orders of Jesus (Matt. 28:16-20)?
• What role does the Holy Spirit now play in Jesus’ absence (Acts 1:1-11)?
• Why do you think the ascension was important to Jesus?
• When and where will we see Jesus again (Zech. 14:4-9)?
• What other questions do you still have?

Reflecting on your reading

Peter leads the group to the mountain, and they find Jesus waiting. They worship him as the risen Saviour of the world. It is here on this mountain in Galilee—where Jesus had asked them to come (Matt. 28:16)—that he sums up his life’s work and gives them one clear command: make disciples.

That’s right—the command is not “go,” but “make disciples.” There is only one main command in this passage, supported by three key verbs. The first is “go,” which carries the sense of “as you go.” In other words, Jesus is saying, “as you go through life, make disciples.” As we go about our daily routines, we are called to invest in others, sharing the Good News of who Jesus is. Tell people that he is the way to the Father (John 14:6). This is evangelism.

Jesus makes clear that disciple-making is for all nations. It transcends culture, race, language and background. The movement Jesus started is global.

The second verb is “baptise.” In Jesus’ day, baptism was a form of identification. So we help people identify with Jesus—his message and his mission. This is edifying.

The final verb is “teach.” Teach everything Jesus commanded, because loving him means obeying him. This is equipping. So we make disciples by doing three things:

1. Evangelise the lost.
2. Edify the believer.
3. Equip the disciple to live a life of obedience and multiplication.

This is how we fulfill the new commandment—to love one another—so that the world may know we belong to him (John 13:34-35). A disciple is recognised by supernatural love—a lifestyle centered on Christ, not on self.

Disciple-making happens as we walk through life. Another command appears here in the small Greek word idou—usually translated as “behold” or “lo.” It reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus as we go, because he is with us always, even to the end of the age.

Whether you’re a student walking to and from class or an employee navigating your workday, every moment is an opportunity to invest in others. This is not about a program or religion—it’s a lifestyle. Every person you encounter presents a chance to evangelise, edify, or equip. So live a Jesus-like lifestyle in front of others. Keep your eyes on him. Make it your passion to make disciples.

This isn’t rocket science—it’s simple to understand, but difficult to prioritise. When you start making disciples instead of just “doing church,” your life may be turned upside down. The enemy will try anything to distract you from Jesus. That’s why Jesus left us with this promise: “I am with you always.” Our only hope is to die to self and let Jesus make disciples through us. This is the exchanged life—his life in place of ours. It’s what Paul described: “Christ in you” (Col. 1:27).

Applying what you’ve read

From the mountaintop in Galilee, Jesus leads the disciples back to Jerusalem, and then on to Bethany. On the Mount of Olives, he tells them:

“‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’” (Acts 1:8).

We are witnesses to the person and work of Jesus Christ. As his disciples, we show our love by obeying him. He then ascends to heaven—like the king in the parable who left for a time, entrusting his servants with a task. One day he will return, and each one will give an account.

When Jesus returns to claim his kingdom, what will he find? A disciple-making lifestyle or a life centered on self? Will he find you playing church, or dying to self and living for him?

The choice is yours—daily. Choose life, because Jesus is life, and in him you will live.

May he find you faithfully making disciples who make more disciples.

Make a plan to go deeper in understanding who Jesus is. Go back through this study with a friend—and make another disciple.

Want to go deeper?

If you enjoyed this Bible reading plan, we'd love you to let us know! You can also find out about further training and resources Power to Change has available to help you level up as a disciple maker who is confident to WIN people to Jesus, BUILD them in the faith, and SEND them out in the power of the Holy Spirit to do the same.

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