The Great Commission

Scripture: Matthew 28:16–20 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16–20 NLT)

Jesus met with the eleven disciples at the place he had told them to meet him in Galilee. When they saw him, they were filled with joy, just as the women had been, and they worshiped him. But some of them doubted. We know from other gospel accounts of these days after the resurrection, that Thomas doubted and was subsequently reassured by actually touching Jesus. But apparently there were some other doubters as well. Jesus didn’t rebuke them for their desertion in the time of crisis! He commissioned them for the work ahead.

One of the things I struggle with is that when I know I’ve messed up, or let doubts and fear stop me from the thing I know is right—the thing I wish I had done—it’s hard to forgive myself and just get on with it! That doesn’t seem to be a problem with Jesus, it’s just an internal problem for me! Jesus knew they were sorry, he knew they were back, and he just got on with the Great Commission!

He commissioned these sometimes fearful, sometimes doubting, often struggling guys with the authority he had received from his Father! And he told them (and us) to just get on with it! Make disciples among all the nations, baptizing new disciples “In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” And teach the new disciples to “Obey all the commands I have given you!” Those commands are to: “Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love others as you love yourself.”  And he left them (and us) with this assurance, “I will be with you always!”  And as he was with them, he still is with us, always!

Prayer:

Father, It’s so good to see that Jesus didn’t hold their failings over them and disqualify them from service. And it’s good to know that he still doesn’t! Please help my friends and me to get this, to know that you still have work for us and that you’ll still be with us! Thank you! Amen!