How do the followers of Jesus make disciples?
“Jesus did not imagine that his example was enough to win the day. … The primary sign of discipleship was the acceptance of Jesus’ teaching concerning himself. Charges of blasphemy and even the offense expressed by the disciples themselves were due to his teaching concerning himself. Jesus prepared his followers for imminent persecution for the sake of his name and in their witness to his saving work. The persecutions recounted in the book of Acts are all said to have been on account of testifying to Christ’s person and work. the Jewish authorities did not command Jewish Christians to stop feeding the hungry or improving Jerusalem’s culture but charged them to stop preaching Christ as the one on whom they are to call for salvation.” (Michael Horton, The Gospel Commission, p140)
Think about it. A world that Jesus said would hate him will not oppose you for doing nice things to other people. But it will get madder than the devil if you preach the gospel. Might be a hint for us.
