Jesus’ first disciples included His apostles. But they were not the last disciples, for He trained them to train others.
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” (Mt 28:19-20). M
Jesus did not say, “Make believers.” A person may have some sort of belief, but never become a disciple.27 Jesus does not say, “Make worshipers.” People may give prayers and offerings without being disciples.28 All disciples believe and worship, but not all ‘believers’ and ‘worshipers’ are disciples.
Jesus commands, “Make disciples.” That term, as commonly used at that time, means, “Train learners who are committed to following their Teacher’s instruction and example.”29 Jesus reinforces the meaning of continuing learning by saying, “…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:20). Some refer to Matthew 28:20 as the second half of the Great Commission. It may be more difficult to fulfill, but it is essential for spiritual health as you “grow up in your salvation.” Hearing and obeying Christ, these are like air to the disciple. To stop breathing that air is to cease being a disciple.
27. John 12:42-43 cf. Matthew 7:21-23; James 2:14-26
28. Matthew 6:1-5; Luke 18:10-14; 20:47
29. This was the meaning of “disciple” even among other groups in New Testament times, Matthew 9:14; 22:16; John 9:28. For the importance of the Teacher’s example, see Matthew 10:25; 16:24; John 13:12-15; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6.