Missional Monday-teaching them to obey

If you do not have the gift of hospitality, do you never have anyone over for dinner ever? Surely not. I see a similar parallel in the idea of teaching when it comes to the Great Commission. We may not be a vocational preacher or teacher, but surely we can help someone younger in the faith move towards a deeper understanding of Jesus.
If a disciple is meant to go and make disciples, that will include the command to "teach them to obey everything I have commanded." And if we teach them to obey everything, this must include teaching the command to make disciples, and that includes the teaching. There is an inherent, built in multiplication within this command from Jesus and it is built on the premise that all disciples can participate in helping another learn and obey the teachings of the faith. We all can, and should participate,in some capacity, in helping another grow in spiritual maturity.
This idea of teaching is probably the most intimidating part of the Great Commission for many. "What happens if someone asks a question that I don't have an answer for?" "I don't know enough to share with someone else." These can be paralyzing thoughts. If this is where you find yourself let me offer just a few ideas:

1) Are you a disciple yourself continuing to grow and learn. If you are stagnant, then yes, it will be hard to ever help someone else. But if you are continually growing, God can and will use you. Just share what you know.

2) Who are those around you who are younger in the faith? If your church does not have any, the church may need to ask why, but that is another question. Begin to engage with them and you will find how what you have learned over the years might be of benefit.

3) Lastly, let me share the most liberating words you could ever learn- "I don't know." No one expects you to know everything. Just be honest and most people respect that. If something comes up that you don't know then there is an opportunity to learn together.

It is a bit intimidating, but we can all participate in the process of making disciples. I tend to see it as an amazing invitation by Jesus to participate in His mission. But lets be honest, it is a command as well. But if He commands us then surely He will equip us. And let us not forget that He is with us to the end of the age.