How to Make a Disciple-Maker: Help Them Examine the Exemption Clause

Examine the Exemption Clause

Have you ever worked in a company where the most popular excuse for something not getting done was “that isn’t my job”?  Or have you tried to solve an issue with a service or product that you bought and everybody in customer service is convinced that another department is responsible to resolve your concern.  One of the keys to stellar customer satisfaction is for somebody to take responsibility for your concern and try to help you work through it.  How does this apply to disciple-making you ask?  Quite simply most Christians think that disciple-making is “not their job”.  Unfortunately, most believers have taken the Exemption Clause from the Great Commission and run with it.  Jesus, speaking to His disciples after the resurrection spells out our exemption this way in Matthew 28…

 ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in  the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Did you see the Exemption Clause?  Me neither.  In fact, even though He was giving a specific command to the apostles we are included by the fact that He told them to teach their disciples everything that He had commanded them including the commandment to make disciples.  SO, THERE IS NO EXEMPTION CLAUSE IN THE GREAT COMMISSION.  We are all to be involved in the process.  Our roles may differ but we are all held responsible.  IT IS OUR JOB!

If you want to make a disciple-maker you have to work through the Exemption Clause (or lack thereof) and help them to do likewise.