Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-29, The Message).
A dozen or so men and women gathered on a hillside, warm under the bright son. Over the last few weeks they witnessed a series of events unparalleled in human history. These were the most committed followers of Jesus of Nazareth and they came to this lonely spot to hear him teach. This would all be beyond belief if they were not experiencing it themselves, as Jesus hung dead on a cross only a few days before. But they’ve since seen him alive and spoken to him and touched him. One even stuck his hand in the wound on Jesus’ side. Jesus has eaten with them and reassured them. It’s been a joyous, miraculous celebration of Jesus. However, Jesus said he would not stay long and this was one of the last times together with these, his most devoted disciples.
So, what did Jesus tell these faithful followers? What instructions did he leave them? How did he encourage them to carry on? His directions were quite simple. But like all that Jesus taught, in his simplicity lies a depth of profound meaning.
Jesus told his disciples to GO. He told them to make more disciples, disciples from all nations. He let them know that his vision was not just local, but encompassed Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth.
Picture it. A handful of his followers, mostly uneducated, certainly not powerful or wealthy or well connected. Sitting on a hill at the edge of the empire in a subjugated country. Jesus told them to go and make disciples of all the nations. What did they do next? They spread out over the world.
Jesus’ command to go and make disciples is as fresh today as it was on the hillside 2,000 years ago. What part might you play in this great commission? Where could you go?
Ask the Lord these questions, and then pray for courage to follow wherever the Lord may lead.
