Go
After hearing of Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples arrived in Galilee in trust. They had no idea what to expect. And they certainly didn’t understand what had just happened. Jesus’ message to them about the next step was clear: Go and share the Good News with everyone.
All four Gospels write about this “Great Commission” in one way or another (John 20:21, Luke 24:46-48, Mark 16:15-16), but the most detailed is in Matthew 28:18-20.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.’”
The disciples didn’t just keep to themselves. They could have. These men and women of the early church could have played it safe. In the end, it would have saved them from much trouble. They could have returned to their previous lives changed without sharing Jesus’ story. Those who were in lands farther away might wonder what happened to their teacher, but they would eventually go back to their quiet lives.
But these men and women had seen and learned too much for them not to spread what they knew to all the nations. Besides, as Jesus said before his death, “If they keep quiet, even the stones will cry out (Luke 19:40).”
What about us? Are we spreading God’s kingdom as He commanded?
Many Christians today believe we just need to worry about ourselves. We stay within our churches, families, and close friends who already share the same beliefs as we do. We remain in the safety of our circle. Maybe we are afraid of what others will think of us. Sometimes we feel that it’s not our business what others believe. We hold back because we don’t think we know enough. Or maybe we take the amazing truth of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection for granted.
As Christians, Jesus commands us, even now, to spread the Good News to all people. We are to teach others about Him, bring more followers into the Church, and baptize them.
Jesus taught us not to keep to ourselves.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).”
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be with us.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you (John 14:16-17).”
So what is holding you back? Fear, lack of knowledge, complacency? I know that I have been hiding in safety using all these reasons at one point or another. I am afraid to offend others. I don’t know what to say. And I have been at a place where I have taken Jesus’ sacrifice, resurrection, and all of God’s love for granted. But I’ve been convicted lately to start reaching out of my comfortable circle and start speaking up. I’m unsure how or when, but I’m willing to learn. I’m willing to let God use me to fulfill His plans.
It is our job to trust and obey…to share God’s love and sacrifice with everyone we know. Then we can let Him be in charge of changing and healing hearts.
The disciples didn’t keep to themselves. And neither should we, so let’s go.
Jenny
Child of God, wife, parent, grandparent, teacher, and messenger. My life is messy, non-traditional, and imperfect, but I strive to be right where Jesus wants me. I love reading, traveling, and all things green!
4 Comments
Maggie
Good challenge! So many simple conversations can be very naturally directed toward the gospel.
Jenny
Personally, I need more work on this. I hold back what I want to say often because I don’t want to ruffle any feathers. I need to be okay with standing out rather in passion for Jesus rather than blending into the crowd in fear. Peter had to learn this lesson, too.
Carol Bergstrom
Another excellent reminder! Thanks Jenny.
Jenny
It’s a hard reminder. I’m out of my own comfort zone with this one. Let’s share how we are doing as we take on this challenge from Jesus!