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

Biblical Context

The Great Commission, recorded at the end of Matthew’s Gospel, stands as Jesus’s final, foundational command to His followers before His ascension. Authored by Matthew (also known as Levi), a former tax collector, this Gospel uniquely presents Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecy and establishes the Kingdom of Heaven. The command to “make disciples of all the nations” signifies a radical shift from a focus solely on Israel to a global mission, a universal invitation into God’s family and purpose. It is a post-resurrection mandate, given with the full authority of the resurrected Christ, promising His perpetual presence and sovereign power to accomplish this worldwide task.

Key Word Study

Let’s focus on the pivotal phrase, “make disciples.” In the Greek New Testament, the verb used here is mathēteusate (μαθητεύσατε), derived from mathētēs (μαθητής), meaning “learner” or “follower.” Mathēteusate is an imperative verb, a direct command from Jesus, meaning “to make someone a learner, to enroll as a disciple, to teach and train.” It’s not merely about conversion but about ongoing tutelage and formation into Christlikeness. It implies more than just intellectual assent; it involves a commitment to following, imitating, and obeying the teachings of the Master. This verb encompasses the entire process of winning, baptizing, and teaching, emphasizing the holistic nature of true discipleship that leads to spiritual maturity.

The Mandate to Make Disciples

Our source material immediately draws us to a critical distinction that often gets overlooked in contemporary Christianity. It states, “As Christians, we need to not only seek to win people to Jesus Christ, but also help them get on their feet spiritually so that they can move on in their relationship with Him. We are called not just to convert but also to make disciples.” This foundational truth underscores the difference between a one-time decision and a lifelong transformation, emphasizing that genuine faith involves both initial surrender and subsequent growth.

The Great Commission: Beyond Conversion

Jesus Himself articulated this mandate with absolute clarity in what is famously known as the Great Commission:

“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).

This passage is not merely a suggestion; it is a divine imperative, a comprehensive strategy for the expansion of God’s Kingdom. It reveals a three-fold process: going (mission), baptizing (identification with Christ and His community), and teaching to obey (holistic formation into Christlikeness). The emphasis is not just on bringing people into the fold, but on integrating them into a life of active obedience and spiritual growth. The source rightly notes, “Somewhere along the line, we have separated evangelism from discipleship. But God wants us to not only lead people to Christ but also to help them get on their feet spiritually.” This separation often leads to “spiritual orphans” – people who have made a commitment but lack the consistent guidance and nurturing required to truly mature in their faith.

The Power of Personal Discipleship: A Real-Life Example

Pastor Greg Laurie’s personal testimony powerfully illustrates the critical need for personal discipleship. He recounts a time shortly after his commitment to Christ when he was in a spiritually precarious place:

“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 reality for many new believers. They’ve left their old life and associations but haven’t fully found their footing or community in the new. This is precisely where the intentional act of discipleship becomes a lifeline, a bridge over a potentially isolating chasm. For Greg, that lifeline came in the form of a man named 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 evangelize Greg; he discipled him. He provided community, guidance, interpretation of scripture, and patient answers to vital questions. This wasn’t a formal program; it was a personal, relational investment that bridged the gap between conversion and transformation. Mark demonstrated what it means to live out the Great Commission practically, providing tangible support and spiritual mentorship.

Every Believer Equipped to Disciple

The beauty of this call is its universality. The source emphasizes, “Every Christian can fill a similar role in the life of a new believer.” This statement directly challenges a common misconception that often paralyzes believers, hindering them from embracing their disciple-making potential:

“That prospect may seem daunting to some people because they don’t feel equipped to disciple others. They convince themselves that it’s a job for “experts,” little realizing that they are the experts whom God has equipped to fulfill that responsibility.”

This is a profound and liberating truth. As believers indwelled by the Holy Spirit, purchased by the blood of Christ, and given the Word of God, we are already equipped with the divine resources necessary. Our own journey, our struggles, our breakthroughs, and our victories become the very tools God uses to minister to others. Discipleship is not exclusive to pastors or seminary graduates; it is the natural outpouring of a life transformed by Christ, a responsibility and privilege for all who bear His name.

Transparency: The Key to Authentic Discipleship

So, how do we effectively disciple others? The devotion points to a powerful and often overlooked principle: transparency. It encourages us to “introduce a new believer to the realities of the Christian life, as opposed to certain idealized (and unrealistic) portrayals of it.” This means being authentic about our own journey, our imperfections, and our reliance on God’s grace. New believers don’t need perfect role models; they need real ones who can openly share their walk.

Transparency allows us to “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 holistic view of the Christian walk – encompassing both the highs and the lows – provides a realistic and relatable path for those just beginning. It demonstrates that spiritual growth is a process, not an instant arrival, built upon consistent engagement with foundational spiritual disciplines and a dependence on the Holy Spirit. It cultivates an environment of trust and genuine connection, essential for true mentorship.

Practical Steps: Being a Friend in Faith

Perhaps you feel you aren’t called to preach from a pulpit or lead worship, and that’s perfectly fine. The devotion offers a clear, achievable path for everyone to engage in discipleship:

“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. You can hang out with them. You can show them what a real Christian is like in the real world.”

This simple, yet profound, advice highlights that discipleship is fundamentally relational. It’s about investing time, sharing life, and modeling Christlikeness in everyday situations. It’s about inviting someone into your journey, not just giving them a list of instructions. It’s about demonstrating the practical implications of faith in a fallen world, allowing them to see how faith informs choices, resilience, and joy amidst challenges. It’s about being a modern-day Mark for someone else, guiding them with love, patience, and the wisdom God has given you.

The call to make disciples is not an optional add-on to the Christian life; it is central to our identity and mission. It flows directly from the heart of Jesus, who promised His perpetual presence even “to the end of the age” as we faithfully fulfill this task. Let us embrace this high calling, recognizing that God has equipped each of us to take the next step in helping others truly live for Christ, thereby advancing His Kingdom until His glorious return.