When the risen Jesus appeared to His disciples, He had a job for them to do. When someone who has conquered death asks you to do something, you better sit up and take notice. If Jesus was meek and mild during His life, He was strong and victorious in His resurrection. In the following passage, Jesus gave a rallying call that has sounded through the ages. People sometimes ask why some modern Christians are eager to be “missional” — it is quite simply because the one Man who has conquered death and will return one day has left us orders to do just that!
Last week, I reminded us that the risen Christ has not left us alone, but instead sent the Holy Spirit. This passage from Matthew 28 tells us that through the Spirit, it is actually the case that Jesus Himself — the risen One — is with us even today. I want us once again this weekend to ask ourselves how conscious of this are we? I am convinced Jesus wants us to remind Him of this promise, and as we commit ourselves to fulfill His call, why should we think He would not fulfill His side of the bargain and be with us on this mission in a way that we will know He is there and be empowered to accomplish the task He has set before us. The King still has other subjects to gather into His kingdom. Let’s labor with all the strength He gives us to speed His return.
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 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 [2] 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)
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