Taking the Next Step – Greg Laurie Devotion – February 7, 2026

Biblical Context

The passage from Matthew 28:19–20, famously known as the Great Commission, stands as one of the most pivotal and enduring commands given by Jesus Christ. This declaration was made by Jesus to His disciples following His resurrection and prior to His ascension into heaven. The Gospel of Matthew, written by the apostle Matthew (Levi), a former tax collector, is characterized by its emphasis on Jesus as the promised Messiah, the King of Israel, and the ultimate teacher and interpreter of God’s law. Matthew frequently connects Jesus’ life and ministry to Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating His fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

In this final charge, Jesus gathers His eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee, a place symbolizing divine encounters and significant revelations in Scripture. With all authority in heaven and on earth granted to Him (v. 18), Jesus issues a global mandate. This is not merely a suggestion but a definitive command, instructing His followers to expand His kingdom beyond the geographical and ethnic boundaries of Israel. The Great Commission outlines both the scope (all nations) and the process (making disciples, baptizing, teaching) of Christian evangelism and spiritual formation, solidifying the mission of the early church and all subsequent generations of believers.

Key Word Study

One of the most crucial words in the Great Commission, and central to today’s devotion, is “make disciples.” In the original Greek, this phrase comes from the verb mathēteuō (μαθητεύω), which means “to be a pupil, to train, to make a disciple.” The noun form, mathētēs (μαθητής), refers to a “learner, student, or apprentice.”

Understanding mathēteuō is vital because it signifies more than just gaining a convert. It implies a comprehensive process of intentional teaching, modeling, and transformation. A disciple is not merely someone who believes in Jesus, but one who actively follows Him, learns from Him, and seeks to obey His commands. It’s an ongoing relationship of learning and growing, encompassing intellect, will, and lifestyle. This word underscores that the Christian journey is one of continuous education and spiritual development, guided by a mentor and empowered by the Holy Spirit, leading to maturity and conformity to Christ’s image. It’s a call to apprenticeship, where new believers are brought into a relationship not just with Jesus, but also with other believers who can model what it means to live for Him.

Beyond Conversion: The Call to Discipleship

As Christians, our mission extends far beyond the initial act of leading someone to Jesus Christ. While the moment of conversion is a miraculous and essential first step, it is just that — a first step. We are called not only to “win people to Jesus Christ” but also to “help them get on their feet spiritually so that they can move on in their relationship with Him.” This distinction is at the heart of Jesus’ final command to His followers:

He said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20 nlt).

The imperative here is clear: “make disciples.” This encompasses “baptizing them” and “teaching these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” Unfortunately, as Pastor Greg Laurie observes, “Somewhere along the line, we have separated evangelism from discipleship.” We often celebrate the conversion without adequately investing in the subsequent spiritual growth. But God’s vision is holistic; He wants us to not only “lead people to Christ but also to help them get on their feet spiritually.” This means walking alongside them, nurturing their faith, and equipping them for a lifelong journey with Jesus.

The Power of Personal Mentorship

Pastor Laurie shares a powerful personal testimony that vividly illustrates the impact of practical discipleship. He recounts, “I am so thankful that God brought a person like this to me. Shortly after my commitment to Christ, I didn’t know a lot of Christians. I wasn’t acclimating very well. I was in that awkward stage where I didn’t feel totally comfortable with Christians, but I didn’t want to hang out with my old friends either.” This “awkward stage” is a common and critical period for new believers. They’ve left their old life but haven’t yet fully integrated into their new one, leaving them vulnerable and potentially isolated.

It was in this crucial moment that God sent Mark. “Then one day a guy named Mark came up to me and introduced himself. He brought me to church and introduced me to other Christians. He told me what to read and what it meant. I had so many questions, and he patiently explained things to me. He helped me make that transition. He made a difference in my life.” Mark didn’t just invite Greg to church; he actively engaged with him, answered his questions, provided guidance on biblical understanding, and facilitated his integration into the Christian community. Mark demonstrated what it means to “make a disciple” — he didn’t just present the gospel; he walked with Greg through the early, formative stages of his faith. This personal investment transformed Greg’s experience and set him on a path of spiritual growth that eventually led to his powerful ministry today.

You Are Equipped: Dispelling the “Expert” Myth

The call to discipleship is not exclusive to pastors, missionaries, or Bible scholars. Pastor Laurie emphasizes that “Every Christian can fill a similar role in the life of a new believer.” This prospect, however, “may seem daunting to some people because they don’t feel equipped to disciple others.” Many Christians fall into the trap of thinking, “It’s a job for ‘experts.’” But this couldn’t be further from the truth. The profound reality is that “they are the experts whom God has equipped to fulfill that responsibility.”

If you have walked with Christ for any length of time, if you have experienced His grace, learned from His Word, and navigated the challenges of the Christian life, then you are uniquely positioned to mentor someone new to the faith. Your personal journey, your triumphs, and even your struggles, become invaluable tools in guiding another. The Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer, empowers us for every good work, including the vital work of discipleship.

Transparency: The Key to Authentic Discipleship

What does this discipleship look like in practice? The key, Pastor Laurie tells us, is “Transparency.” This isn’t about having all the answers or presenting an idealized, flawless version of the Christian life. Rather, it’s about authentic sharing. “You can introduce a new believer to the realities of the Christian life, as opposed to certain idealized (and unrealistic) portrayals of it.” New believers often come with preconceived notions or expectations of perfection. Transparency helps them understand that faith is a journey, not a destination of instant flawlessness.

Through transparency, “You can show a new believer the struggles, setbacks, and victories—big and small—that come from spending time in God’s Word, engaging in regular prayer, sharing your faith with others, and making daily choices that honor God.” This isn’t just theory; it’s lived experience. Sharing how you personally approach Bible study, how you wrestle in prayer, how you overcome temptation, or how you share your faith naturally makes the Christian life tangible and relatable. It demystifies spiritual disciplines and illustrates their transformative power in a real-world context.

Being a Real-World Christian Friend

Ultimately, discipleship doesn’t always require a formal title or a seminary degree. “Maybe God hasn’t called you to be a preacher or to lead worship, but you can be a friend to someone who has recently made a commitment to Christ.” The most powerful form of discipleship often happens in the context of genuine friendship. It’s about presence, care, and practical demonstration.

“You can hang out with them. You can show them what a real Christian is like in the real world.” This means inviting them into your life, sharing meals, participating in activities, and simply being a consistent, godly presence. Through these everyday interactions, you model integrity, patience, love, and joy. You demonstrate how faith intersects with daily choices, how challenges are faced with reliance on God, and how to live a life that honors Christ in practical ways. This kind of authentic, relational discipleship is a powerful antidote to the loneliness and uncertainty a new believer might experience.

Consider this today: How can you help a new believer understand what it means to live for Christ? It might be as simple as reaching out, sharing a cup of coffee, and being transparent about your own walk with God. Let us embrace this high calling, knowing that Jesus is “with us always, even to the end of the age” as we step out in faith to make disciples.