Matthew 28:16-20
Be Still: Please help me, Lord, to focus my attention wholly on you. Please speak to me today. Amen
Read: Matthew 28:16-20
When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted (v17). 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....And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’ (18-20).
Encounter: Authority
Jesus’ great commission - Go and make disciples. Note it’s not ‘get people to believe or become my followers’. Our job is to support and teach and mentor new believers until they become fully-fledged disciples and can in turn train and develop others. God is not calling everyone to other parts of the world, but he is calling us all to serve him and be witnesses and supportive companions wherever we live and work. ‘Look after each other, so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God’ (Hebrews 12:15)
The strong basis for this commission is the authority Jesus now has in this world and in the 'heavenlies'. We do not go unprotected, unequipped, or inadequate. Consider for a moment what it means that Jesus has ALL authority. When a messenger came from Rome carrying a decree from Caesar, even if people didn’t like what it commanded, they had to accept the authority behind it. Jesus' authority is on an altogether higher plane than Caesar's. Not only does Jesus have all authority but he is with us always. Caesar couldn’t be with his messengers but God himself, by the Holy Spirit, is our constant companion - we take his authority with us!
Did you see in this passage ‘but some doubted’? Some of the original eleven, who had seen and met the resurrected Lord still doubted! I think this comment is included to encourage those of us who are slow to ‘get it’ or have genuine doubts. Jesus didn’t reject them, and they came through to faithfully serve their Saviour at great personal cost.
Apply: How effective am I being as a witness for Jesus? How can I best support and encourage other Christians in their faith journey? Be encouraged that your doubts and struggles do not disqualify you from God’s service and blessing.
Devote: Lord, I want to be a faithful disciple and respond to your call. Use me by your Spirit to support and care for others on this faith journey.