After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to the disciples and gave them one final message before ascending to heaven.
If you're a follower of Jesus, this message is for you too.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ( Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)
Jesus' message here is often called The Great Commission. And there's three things I want you to notice about it.
JESUS RULES.
JESUS COMMANDS.
JESUS PROMISES.
1. Jesus Rules
Jesus has all authority on heaven and earth. He has dominion, he rules and reigns as the risen King. One of the themes in Matthew’s gospel is that of promise and fulfilment.
There are clear echos of the vision from Daniel 7 where the Son of Man is “given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” (verse 14).
Jesus’ resurrection proves that his kingdom is the promised everlasting kingdom.
2. Jesus Commands
Jesus has all authority, so it is worth hearing and heeding his command! His command is that his disciples would continue his mission by going to make more disciples and teach them all that He had taught them.
The command is to spread the message of Jesus! And it certainly is a message worth sharing: Jesus has lived the life we’ve failed to live – a life without sin; Jesus has died the death that we deserve – the death for sin; and Jesus has been raised again – offering everlasting life to all who trust in him.
Jesus' resurrection proves he has authority over all things.
3. Jesus Promises
It’s a daunting task to fulfil this Great Commission, and yet Jesus makes a beautiful promise that he will go with his disciples as they go out on mission. He’s about to ascend back to heaven, so how will he do that? By sending his Holy Spirit to dwell in them and empowering them to courageously continue in the mission.
Jesus resurrection compels us to go and tell others about him.
Where are you going to go for Jesus?
If you are a follower of Jesus – it’s because of the faithfulness of Christians to this command over the last 2000 years that you have heard about Christ and submitted yourself to his authority.
I am praying for you and the church around the globe that we would all continue to faithfully give ourselves to this Great Commission in whatever way that we can.
Take a moment to pray and ask God to help you share the good news of Jesus wherever he might lead you today… and in the future.
Edited from original post on butfirstbible.com.