The Commission Continues

"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" - Matthew 28:18-20

The Great Commission was not just given to the eleven disciples standing on that mountain in Galilee. It was given to every believer who would follow Christ throughout history, including you. These words of Jesus represent the mission statement for the church, the marching orders for every Christian, and the purpose that should drive our lives until He returns.

Notice that Jesus begins with a declaration of His authority: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." This is not a suggestion or a request—it is a command backed by the ultimate authority in the universe. The One who conquered death and rose from the grave has the right to tell us how to live and what to do with our lives. He has earned the authority to send us into the world with His message.

The word "go" in the original Greek is actually a participle that could be translated "as you are going." In other words, as you live your daily life—as you go to work, to school, to the grocery store, to the gym—you are to be making disciples. This is not just the job of pastors and missionaries; it is the calling of every believer. You are called to be a disciple-maker wherever God has placed you.

Making disciples is more than just getting people to pray a prayer or walk down an aisle. It involves baptizing them, which represents their public declaration of faith and their identification with Christ's death and resurrection. It involves teaching them to observe all that Christ has commanded, which means helping them grow in their faith and learn to live according to God's Word.

But perhaps the most encouraging part of this commission is the promise that comes with it: "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." You are not going alone. The same Jesus who conquered death and rose victorious from the grave goes with you into every conversation, every relationship, and every opportunity to share His love. You have the presence and power of the risen Christ backing you up.

I think about the early disciples and how they went from hiding in fear behind locked doors to boldly proclaiming the gospel in the face of persecution and death. What made the difference? They had encountered the risen Christ, and they knew they were not alone. The same Spirit that empowered them empowers you today.

Some of you reading this feel inadequate for the task. You think you do not know enough, you are not eloquent enough, or you are not holy enough to share the gospel with others. But God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. He can use your story, your struggles, and your victories to reach others who need to hear about His love and grace.

Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. Commit to praying for them daily this week and ask God to give you an opportunity to share His love with them. Remember, you are not going alone—the risen Christ goes with you.

Father, thank You for the privilege of being part of Your mission to reach the world with the gospel. I confess that sometimes I feel inadequate or afraid to share my faith with others. Help me to remember that You have given me everything I need and that You go with me wherever I go. Give me boldness to speak Your truth in love and wisdom to know how to reach the hearts of those around me. Use me as an instrument of Your grace to make disciples who will make disciples. In Jesus' name, Amen.