Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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)
For Reflection:
Do I see people around me living without hope? Struggling through challenges, anchoring in one thing after another… striving in their own power for fullness of life, for contentment, for peace?
I read our passage and am inclined to defer to others who seem more naturally bold and gifted in evangelism to take on the task of sharing Jesus and helping others follow Him. But that’s not what Jesus says here. As the 11 disciples gathered on the mountain, they saw our resurrected Jesus. They celebrated in worship – and yet some doubted. Then what? Jesus came to them, all of them--those whose faith and confidence were strong and those who were uncertain. He gave His authority, and commissioned them all to go far and wide, making disciples of all nations, baptizing, and teaching. Not only teaching the commands, but walking alongside to live them out amid the challenges of their days and relationships. The “what” and the “how.”
The book of Acts shows us this happens side by side, through relationships, in community. Over 2,000 years later we too are learning to walk with Jesus day by day, entering into relationship with Him and others. Empowered with His promise: His authority and presence with them then and us now. Jesus with us. Sending us to help people come to know and grow in relationship with Him, walking alongside.
I think about people who have influenced my faith, who invited me to come along, who helped point me to Jesus, to see and come to know Him. I recall specific individuals at different points in my childhood, as a young adult, through various challenges of life. Who is that for you?
We each have unique circles of influence, encounters with individuals as we journey our days, in the spaces where God has placed us in this time and generation. Think of those around you. Who comes to mind? Do you notice opportunities as God presents them? As you ponder this, consider also these questions Paul asks in Romans 10 about how each person can call upon Jesus:
"...how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?"
The Great Commission is Jesus's invitation with a promise, a command, encouragement, grace, and even assurance to engage us in helping all people come to know and grow in relationship with Him. “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Jesus, our sure and steadfast anchor for our soul.
Let us pray:
Oh Jesus, thank you for your love, power, and presence in our lives. Thank you for your word that guides us, that challenges and assures us. Lord, thank you that you keep your promises. Help me to believe that you are with me always, even when I feel less than confident. Lord, would you help me to see the people around me who you are calling me to share with, to offer your love, encouragement and peace. Would you help me be attentive to your leading, to see the opportunities you provide and to walk in them. Gently and without fear. Help me look to you and trust you for the words and ways of encouraging others in you and helping them come to see, know, and grow in relationship with you. Thank you that you find joy in being with us, that you are with us always, even to the end of the age. I love you. In Your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
I wonder whose lives around me Jesus is stirring in and inviting to come near.
I wonder if I would notice Jesus nudging me to build a relationship with someone...? I wonder how I might be salt and light to those around me wherever I go?