From Matthew 28:16-20
The last five verses of Matthew set the foundation for what the church is supposed to do. Jesus instructs His disciples to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” He means for them to baptize people in the name of the Triune God and to teach them to observe everything Jesus commanded during His earthly ministry. Before He tells them to take on this daunting task; however, He reminds them that all authority has been given to Him by the Father. This means that He has the authority to protect and save them, no matter what situation the world tries to put them in. This statement of Jesus’ power becomes one of comfort when He reminds them that “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The disciples are being sent out on a difficult mission, but they are never alone. The God of all creation walks with them and fights for them.
The Great Commission (that’s what these verses are commonly referred to as), doesn’t have a statute of limitations. Jesus didn’t tell the disciples that it was only a job for them, because as they made disciples, those disciples would in turn make more disciples. As a result, we receive Jesus’ instructions to the disciples as our own. Each and every Christian, all those who claim that Jesus is Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead, is tasked with making disciples of all nations and teaching them to observe everything Jesus commanded. We are in this position, and it hasn’t gotten any easier. Discipleship is a long process that won’t ever be truly finished until Jesus returns. It’s a process that takes multiple people and plenty of time. Frequently, this passage is used as a call to evangelism – and it certainly is. It’s more than just that though. This passage challenges parents to lead their kids in devotions and worship attendance. This passage challenges teachers and leaders to help people build their character to what Jesus would ask it to be. This passage challenges the community of the church to help one another constantly come closer to Jesus’ will for their lives. And maybe your part in making disciples is evangelizing and introducing Jesus to your friends and neighbors, maybe your role is to teach, maybe your role is to encourage, maybe your role is to be an example for others to look up to, maybe your role is to learn – maybe it’s a little bit of all of those or maybe it’s something else entirely. We are each called to help support this monumental task, whenever we can and in whatever way we can.
Focus on God
We are reminded in these verses that God graciously promises to go with us.
Function in Our Lives
We are encouraged to make disciples of all nations.
Topics to Pray About
- Thank God for promising to be with us to the end of the age.
- Confess to God the times where you neglect opportunities to help in making disciples.
- Ask God to help you become a better disciple.
In His Service,
J. LeBorious