The Great Commission

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:16-20

"I'll never finish the job."  You’ve probably said something like that when the "To Do" list got really long, or the task before you seemed bigger than you felt you could handle.  The disciples of Jesus might have felt that way too.

On the day of his ascension into heaven, Jesus gave his disciples a big task to do.  It’s often called "The Great Commission."  He described the work he wanted his disciples to do until he returned.  His words are the "great" commission because they define the important work Jesus assigned to his believers:  “Make disciples…by teaching and baptizing.”  It is also "great" because of its scope:  "Make disciples of all nations."  Jesus commanded his disciples to take the gospel to people of every nation on earth.  A huge task!  And there were only eleven of them.  Talk about being understaffed!  They could have resigned themselves to think, "We'll never get this job done."  But Jesus assures them, "Surely I will be with you always."  Eleven disciples alone to the whole world, no way!  Eleven disciples and Jesus who has all authority in heaven and on earth, no problem!

Jesus fulfilled his promise.  Though he ascended to heaven, he continued to be with his disciples, protecting them with his almighty power and blessing the work of his church.  On Pentecost he sent the Holy Spirit and the number of believers swelled to thousands through the power of the gospel.  Guided by Jesus, God's people spread the good news of salvation to every nation, to us.

Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations is also his great commission for us.  When the task is challenging and the work is difficult for his church, we need not fear or despair.  Remember Jesus’ promise.  He is with us and blesses us as we strive to do his will.  He kept his promise for those first eleven disciples, and he keeps it for us too—always!

 

Prayer:

 

Lord Jesus, bless your church with your presence so that our work of spreading the gospel may progress.  Help us overcome the challenges. Send your Holy Spirit to work faith in the hearts of people through your Word. Amen.