Scripture: Matt. 28:16–20

Key verse: (19) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection: It’s the first time for the disciples to be together, with Jesus, since scattering and abandoning Jesus at the cross. And what does Jesus take the opportunity to tell his friends?   Go!  It’s the great commission, though Jesus never calls it that.  Jesus calls it the I-have-authority-so-go-everywhere-baptize-teach-preach-remember-I-am-with-you-always-and-for-ever sermon.

It is an incredible if demanding commission.  It has the risk of being an impossible ask to a group of disciples who by all accounts failed miserably as disciples only a few short days before.  Go? All nations? Teaching everything?  Them?

The good news is that the commission is not just a sending out but a drawing in too. Jesus is not saying go away from me, but go with me, go to me, go for me.  With that kind of travel companion where couldn’t you go?

Prayer: For all that lies behind us Lord, we might need peace; for all that lies before us we probably need courage; for all that is upon us we  should have wisdom and grace.  What we really ask for Lord is you.  Amen.

Author: Derek Macleod

[Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved].