Batizando’ e ‘ensinando’ são os meios pelos quais os discípulos devem ser feitos” (pp. 19) - Colin Marshall

The ‘teaching’ that the disciples are to do reproduces what Jesus himself has done with them. He has been their ‘teacher’ (cf. Matt 12:38; 19:16; 22:16, 24, 36; 26:18), and as Jesus has taught them they have grown in knowledge and understanding. The disciples are now, in turn, to make new disciples by teaching them to obey everything commanded by their Master. This ‘making-disciples-by-teaching’ corresponds to preaching the gospel in the parallel mission mandate in Luke, where Jesus says “repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).

We are not attempting to create clones or a cult of personality, but following our Master’s example in persevering in the face of trials and persecution.

We are always an example to those whom we are teaching and training, whether we like it or not.