PRAYER + PRAISE
The Great Commission - Make Disciples of all the Nations
- Adam Cole // April 16, 2009
18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” —Matthew 28:18-20
It has come to be called the “Great Commission,” an anointing by the Lord, to each of us, to go out and impart His truth of eternal life unto the world.
Jesus Christ gave this command shortly before He ascended out of this world and into Heaven, to outline what He expected the Apostles, and those who followed them, to do in His absence.
In His earthly ministry, Christ taught us many things, such as to live in faith, and to love God and others before ourselves. He sent out His disciples, in pairs, and instructed them to take nothing for the road except for the clothes they had on their backs. He also told them to cast out the demons of the people and preach the importance of repentance.
The calling and instruction that Christ gives us at the end of His ministry on earth takes the disciples a step further than the mission that He previously had for them. Here, Christ is asking them to spread out and make disciples, to build people up in a way that they are inspired to follow and remain with them, not for a little while, but to grow them in the faith. And to baptize them, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…before His death and resurrection, the condition amongst the people was that of repentance. However, the baptism transitioned to a combination of repentance and then a commitment to a new way and a new life (in Christ), guided by believing on the Son, and following Him in the Spirit, in order to better connect with the Father. So, we are also called to spread the Good News to the ends of the earth - make disciples by way of baptizing and teaching His truths.
Too often our spiritual walks are made with blinders on; we focus inwardly on how we can become a ‘better’ Christian. But, the call to make disciples is directly imparted on us from Christ. Let’s answer it then, either in our own communities, our country, or go somewhere way beyond. Ask yourself, who has the Lord laid on my heart to help mold into a more worthy vessel for His honor?
Praise: That the Lord gives us such a powerful calling.
Prayer: That we recognize that it’s not all about us, and that we honor the calling to make disciples - out of love and obedience - and build solid relationships as we impart His truths on others.
Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, we thank You for today, for everyday, that You shine in us. We have been meditating on Your death and Your rise and, today, we take a look at Your call, Your great commission, to spread us throughout the world to make disciples. We know so many are taking up this call—and risking their lives. Give us the power and the strength and encouragement to do the same. We love You, Lord, and give it all to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.