DAY 9: THE GREAT COMMISSION
Scripture Passage: Matthew 28:16-20

 

AFTER HOLY WEEK:

FOLLOWING EASTER SUNDAY:
• JESUS CONFIRMED HIS RESURRECTION TO THOMAS (JOHN 20:24-29).
• HE APPEARED TO SEVEN OF HIS DISCIPLES AS THEY WERE FISHING (JOHN 21:1-14).
• JESUS FORGAVE AND RESTORED PETER (JOHN 21:15-23).
• HE SPENT TIME FURTHER TEACHING HIS DISCIPLES (ACTS 1:3-8).
• JESUS GAVE HIS DISCIPLES THE GREAT COMMISSION (MATTHEW 28:16-20).
• JESUS ASCENDED TO HEAVEN (ACTS 1:9-11).

 

We’re all fans of something: certain movies, types of music, specific sports teams. When we’re a fan, we’ll often share what we’re a fan of with others. We’ll try to get our friends to watch our favorite movie with us. We’ll create and share a playlist of songs inspired by the musical artists we like the most. We’ll post videos of our reactions whenever our team wins.

 

However, some people take their fandom to a whole other level. They become downright fanatical. They love the object of their affection absolutely and are completely devoted to it. These fans will also share what they’re a fan of with others, but it’s different. They want others to be devoted to it as much as they are. If they’re fans of the Marvel cinematic universe, they don’t want people to just watch the movies. They want them to love the movies, talk about how amazing they are, and stay up to date on the latest news and spoilers about the next phase. This kind of fan not only shares what they love with others, but they also do everything they can to make them as passionate about it as they are.

 

Another word for this kind of fan would be “follower” because they follow every bit of detail about the object of their fandom. They learn, share, and celebrate everything they can. And another word for “follower” is “disciple.”

 

Read Matthew 28:16-20. As Jesus was preparing to leave this earth until His promised return, He gathered together His closest followers, the 11 disciples who were left since Judas had hung himself (27:1-10). He had already appeared to them multiple times following His resurrection. They all, even “doubting” Thomas, had seen Him with their own eyes and listened to Him with their own ears and had their faith confirmed and strengthened. There were still others who had followed Him who had not had the same experiences, and they doubted. However, not these 11 men. While they had all fled and abandoned Him in some way before, they never would again. They would follow His lead wherever it took them and obey His commands, whatever it may cost them.

 

What Jesus said to them on that mountain outside Galilee are the last words Matthew records in His Gospel and some of the last ones Jesus ever spoke. So, they’re worth paying attention to. Jesus began by acknowledging His new authority. He had always been fully God and fully human, yet he had limited His divine power in coming to our world as a man. However, following His resurrection, He fully embraced His authority once again.

 

So, what did Jesus do with His authority? He gave His disciples, and in turn, all of His followers, a mission: make disciples. These men weren’t mere fans of Jesus. They loved Him absolutely and were completely devoted to Him. The purpose of their lives, Jesus revealed, was to invite others to become just like them. And how exactly were they supposed to do that? The same way we are today.

 

First, go. Jesus didn’t just mean for them to go to specific places and peoples in various parts of the world, though there are certainly times we need to be intentional about getting to those who need Christ most. But we also need to be aware of who is around us as we go about our lives every day. We’re surrounded at all times by people who, just like us, need to know the redeeming love of Jesus. Second, we baptize. What this means is that we bring people into the family of God, His Church. We don’t just tell others about Jesus to make them disciples. We then invite them to join us so that we can be disciples together. Third, we teach. This doesn’t mean we have to be experts. It just means we take everything we have learned and are learning about Jesus, and we pass it on to others.

 

For sure, this is a daunting task, but it’s the mission to which Jesus called every one of us. And the best news is, we don’t do it alone. We have each other, of course, but even more than that, we still
have Jesus. He may not walk this earth as a man any longer, but He has still promised to be with each of us “to the end of the age.”

 

THINK ABOUT IT:
Who did God use in your own life to make you a disciple?
How can you take steps in fulfilling Jesus’ mission for your life?
What comfort and encouragement do you receive by knowing Jesus is with you all the time?