JESUS gave HIS disciples the instruction to “make disciples of all nations” before HE ascended to heaven. To be a disciple is to be one who adheres to the teachings, takes up the ways, and models their life after the individual they follow. They accept and assist in the spreading of the teachings and doctrine of the one followed. It is through this process of learning, modeling, and spreading that new disciples are made.
As disciples of JESUS we are to learn from HIM, apply what we learn to live like HIM, and spread the Good News given by HIM.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 (NLT)
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my [JESUS’] disciples… Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you [disciples], and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:8, 16 (KJV)
And he [JESUS] said unto them [disciples], Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; Mark 16:15-17 (KJV)
And [JESUS], being assembled together with them [disciples], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me… But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:4, 8 (KJV)
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:14-15 (KJV)