It's Not the "OK" Commission

Sometimes I forget about the Great Commission. As if it’s hiding away in Matthew - a passage of power, directive, and promise, just slipped into the book as an afterthought, a little “by the way.” But that’s not true. It’s not the “lousy commission,” or the “maybe commission.” It’s the Great Commission! It’s got oomph!

So maybe I don’t forget so much as avoid it. With His authority, this is what Jesus tells His followers to do. He tells them to travel far, speak boldly, make a difference. That’s a pretty big deal. What if I’m too afraid, don’t know what to say, or feel insignificant? What if I don’t know how? 

Jesus tells the disciples to share of the miracles they saw, the things they learned, the risks they took; the bruises and blisters, cuts and scars they acquired; the long and cold nights, the responsibility, the meltdowns and times of doubt; when they leaned on each other and laid their heads in Jesus’s lap, and when they discussed and laughed with each other and with the Son of God over food and drink, or around a fire. He tells them to speak from where they are, and who they are. He tells them to share an opportunity with those who don’t yet know the wonder of living life with the King. He knows the gravity of this send-off; He knows what’s coming for His followers: ridicule, persecution, exile, death. And yet He still tells them to go. Because it’s not the “meh commission.” It’s great. It’s one of the most important things a follower of God will ever do. It’s no surprise, then when Jesus tells His followers that He’ll be right by their side, no matter what. 

When the One who has all authority, who gave me this responsibility and gift and path to take, says that He's with me until the end of the age, I know I’m covered. And I know, despite the fear and risks, that I want to be a part of something great. 

Matthew 28:16-20

Potential Friendships are all around us.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
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 am with you always, to the very end of the age."

How can I fulfill the Great Commission in the context of my family? My co-workers? Neighbors? Folks I encounter in the grocery, barber shop, movie theater? I am learning that I need to have my eyes wide open and intentionally looking for those people who were nothing more than wallpaper before. Looking but not seeing.

Thankfully, Jesus doesn't consider any of us as background noise or invisible creatures.  He sees us all in a wonderful and bright light.  Actually He is the light. Moving through life as a Christ-follower I am called to be that same light for others. I am called to see them - everyone in my path - as someone so dearly loved by God.

Once I have those eyeglasses on, I begin to recognize someone who needs to know the love of God; someone who needs to know that they matter.  This is such an easy thing to do, just talk to them, smile at them, come alongside and invite them to get to know you. Nothing fancy, maybe a coffee date or a lunch break.

We are all starved for attention, for friends who can be counted on. Invite someone into your life; share some of your story as you get acquainted. The word 'go' in the verse at the top means, as you go, make disciples. As you move along through your day, find someone who has been in the peripheral of your vision and pull them in closer.

They just might become your new best friend. 

Matthew 28:16-20

Hitchhikers Along the Way

Yet again, I’ve been reminded there are no coincidences with God. For the past few weeks I’ve been studying The Ways of the Alongsider by Bill Mowry. I was doing my homework when I came across several questions addressing The Great Commission. Well, wouldn’t you know that today’s post is Matthew 28:16-20!

In the chapter titled: The Way of Intentionality, Mr. Mowry asks why Jesus placed an emphasis on making more disciples. My response:  Once we learn something, the goal is to pass on that knowledge. We need to share what we’ve learned with others, not keep it to ourselves.

Believing in salvation is great, but if we’re not sharing that with others, then do we really believe?Each of us is charged with following in Jesus’ footsteps while stopping to pick up others along the way. It’s almost like picking up a hitchhiker even though your Mom always tells you not to. Someone (non-believer) needs to get somewhere (to Jesus), but they don’t have the means (knowledge of Him). If we have what they need (relationship with Christ) then shouldn’t we stop and help them get where they need to be (Heaven)?

Now, I’m not saying I’d stop on 270 and pick up a random stranger, but maybe I should. I certainly would pick up a friend or relative if I saw them standing on the side of the road in need of help. And hopefully if I help them, they in turn will help others and the cycle will continue. The intent of Jesus’s words during the Great Commission was not to just convert a few people 2000 years ago, but to multiply the number of disciples again and again throughout time.

But something to keep in mind, is that unlike many of the original disciples, we’re not all called to travel long distances. What if I’m in prison or confined to a hospital bed. Does that mean I can’t make disciples? Surely not. Disciples can be made from a 6x8 cell just as surely as they can be made from the open road! (Just ask Paul.) The key is to be deliberate/purposeful when coming alongside others.

So, where/how is God calling you to make disciples? If you have the means, will you lead the way?

Jesus Delegates, Jesus Supports

When I was perhaps 25, on the job less than a year, my boss went on vacation and made me his “delegate.” I was excited by the prospect.

 After two days, reality hit. I was really a “go-for”; instead of calling my boss for support, others in the organization were now calling me. It was my job to figure out what assistance was required and then to figure out who was best positioned to provide the help.

 Perhaps most important, since I had no real authority, I had to figure out what words to use to motivate my co-worker to follow up with the necessary assistance.

I soon realized being delegate in this case was not all it was cracked up to be.

Today’s reading is Matthew 28:16-20, the Great Commission.

 The Great Commission did not come from God the Son, but rather from God the Father. Jesus tells us that “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” What Jesus is about to say is not what he wants, but rather what his Father wants!

 Jesus continues by delegating his most important responsibility to his disciples – his church – and that includes you and I. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

 Our job is to find and identify those who will be with Jesus for life eternal.

 Yet, there is more. We are to teach, “them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Not only do we find and identify Christians, but we are to teach them what it means to be a Christian.

 Unlike my delegate story above, being a part of Jesus’ delegate story is rewarding. In my story, I had no real authority, but Jesus clearly gives us his Father’s authority to find and train disciples.

 In my delegate story I often felt like I was on my own. As a member of his church, Jesus reminds us, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We are not on our own; Jesus is there with us.

 Jesus delegates to us; Jesus also empowers and supports us.

Pass It On -- Matthew 28:16-20

Sitting in a community garden area eating lunch, I was distracted by a lady gesturing to people sitting at another table. She wanted them to look at a cardboard sign she was wearing. She moved from table to table repeating this rather curious behavior. People were smiling and clapping, enjoying her presence. I wondered what she was about and was especially curious about the sign she was wearing.

When she appeared at my table, I looked at the sign, then up at a smiling face, the sign read, "God has been good to me."

"Yes!" I said and lifted my hand to meet hers in a high five.

I have told this story a number of times. As I share it in this devotion, I wonder how many other people are also passing the story around. How many people have heard the story of God's love through this one lady?

Jesus gave personal instruction to his followers to step out in faith, to spread the Good News that God offers a new life and forgiveness through His Son, Jesus, who died on the cross.

Prayer: Father God, help me take steps to put my faith into action. Help me see who needs to hear about the new life and forgiveness you offer. Strengthen my faith. Put the desire on my heart to pass on what you have done for me as I go about my daily activities. Amen

Read text on Biblegateway, Matthew 28:16-20