Last month we celebrated Easter- the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! He is not here- He is Risen! What happened next? There’s 40 days between the empty tomb and Jesus giving His followers their mission. To go and make disciples of all nations. It is the same mission Jesus gave to you and me; To “go.”
In Matthew 28:18-20 we discover Jesus “mission” for all who believe in Him. “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Jesus resurrection wasn’t a secret that they were hiding- Jesus made certain to reveal himself to His followers and at one time 500 people were present. That’s a lot of witnesses! For 40 days Jesus revealed himself to his followers so that they would know- they would be certain- so that they would be His witnesses! And at the end of Matthew, Mark, John and Luke’s gospels Jesus gave His followers the mission!
The message of Matthew 28 remains relevant and impactful. The reality of Jesus’ resurrection continues to be the bedrock of Christian faith, inspiring believers to stand firm in the face of doubt and opposition. The Great Commission serves as a call to action for all Christians, urging us to actively engage in evangelism and discipleship, spreading the message of hope and salvation to the ends of the earth. Jesus’ promise of His abiding presence offers solace and encouragement to those navigating the complexities of life, reminding them that they are never alone in their journey of faith.
Jesus is calling us to Go- How are we to make that happen? We need:
• To be filled with the Holy Spirit. The disciples weren’t to go off in their own power. They were to make sure they were empowered through their faith. When you and I respond to the call- we too need to start with our own faith. When we accept the mission- we must be filled with the Spirit. Too often Christian workers go off in their own strength ‘to do God’s work’ and that is when we see burn out. They want to serve-but they also need to get fuel and direction from God. We don’t want to run ahead- nor do we want to lag behind. Before we can go there’s some questions we need to ask ourselves:
o Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Have you chosen to follow Him?
o Are you reading the Bible? It’s God’s Word- it is the fuel you need to grow and know Him.
o Are you taking time to pray?
o Are you a part of a local church?
o Are you obeying God’s Word? when you read the Bible are you doing what it says- is there any sin in your life you need to confess?
It is difficult for people to believe that we have a vibrant faith in Christ and He is our strength, and provider if we are always worrying, or overloading ourselves- We exhibit our trust in Jesus when we read the word and do it!
• We are to be His witnesses. A witness is one that shares what they saw- first hand accounts. The disciples were witnesses to the resurrection. They saw Jesus after He rose from the dead. You and I haven’t seen the “risen Jesus” in person- but you are a witness. You and I have the witness of a changed life. You can share why a relationship with Jesus has made a difference. You can share the reason for your peace, your hope, your freedom, your joy… You and I can be a witness to the signs, wonders and miracles that continue to happen in our world all around us.
This is your mission if you choose to accept it- to go. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit; and when we are living out our faith we are being witnesses to others.
• Make disciples. Disciples are students- followers and learners. Jesus has 12 disciples that he spent 3 years with. He not only spent time in formal teaching, but He also built relationships - they shared meals, fires, and campouts.
We too are called to make disciples- not ones that will follow us- but ones that will follow Jesus. We are to be living examples and witnesses of Jesus to others.
As you begin your mission- start by making a friend- take them out for coffee- don’t only talk about the weather or the kids or work- be sure to be a witness and share something about your faith- if it is only a question or praying before you eat- it’s a starting point. Always be willing to serve. Jesus best witness of himself to others was when He loved people unconditionally. When He listened and showed compassion.
Jesus’ call to all believers is: “Go and make disciples.” Go and be my witnesses! Go-and be the church! It’s time for you to accept your mission!
