Bible Passage – Matthew 28:16-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19
The familiarity of these verses may make us unmindful that something stupendous is happening on this unknown mountain where Jesus is meeting by appointment with a small group of disciples still reeling from the almost ungraspable wonder of Jesus’ resurrection. The risen Messiah, with absolute authority in heaven and earth, now charges them with a stunning universal mission, a plan to establish God’s kingdom throughout the world. They had no support group, no money, and the empowering Spirit had not yet come. They had only faith and the willingness to obey. The evidence of their success is our presence in this far-away part of the world, disciples like them, commanded to “make disciples,” calling people to absolute commitment to Jesus as Savior and Lord.
More than evangelism is involved. We are to go “teaching” Jesus’ life in word and deed to new disciples, “teaching” them to obey his commands, “teaching” them the Christian life. We are to be disciplers, helping others grow in discipleship. This is more than a commandment; it’s a blessed privilege. Is there any greater joy than having a part in someone’s salvation and growth in Christian maturity?
The Great Commission comes with a splendid promise: “I am with you always.” The abiding presence of the Lord is the Christian’s greatest gift. “Always” means “all the days,” the days of weakness, pain, failure, sorrow, and joy. He is with us as we go and make disciples. Like the psalmist, we can rejoice in his unfailing presence: “I am continually with you; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.”
“Lord, lead me to some soul today.”
Lyna Lee Montgomery