The Difference Between Knowing and Obeying

One of the most encouraging things I have witnessed in the Church over the past decade is a renewed commitment to the Great Commission. Across denominations and networks, there is a growing desire to make disciples who make disciples. For that, I am incredibly grateful.

Yet as I reflect on Jesus’ final instructions, I keep returning to one phrase:

“Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:20)

Notice what Jesus did not say.

He did not say, “Teach them everything I commanded.”

He said, “Teach them to obey everything I commanded.”

That distinction has challenged me deeply.

Many of us have spent years learning what Jesus taught through sermons, Bible studies, classes, and books. These are tremendous gifts. But when I look at Jesus’ ministry, I see that He was after more than knowledge. He taught His disciples, modeled obedience, sent them out to practice what they were learning, and helped them grow through experience.

This has led me to ask a simple question:

Are we primarily teaching people what Jesus commanded, or are we teaching them how to obey what He commanded?

I don’t ask that as a criticism of the Church. I ask it as a fellow disciple who is continually being challenged by the words and example of Jesus.

Perhaps one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is this:

If someone spent a year being discipled by me, would they simply know more about Jesus, or would they be better equipped to follow Him?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.