Daily Word

Power to make disciples | Matthew 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[ b ] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) 中文

He’s Alive!

Jesus is alive! He’s appeared to the women and they are filled with immeasurable joy! He’s now meeting with the disciples in Galilee. After this they go back to Jerusalem for his last conversation with them. Following that is His ascension to Heaven where He continues to today. (Luke 24:36-53) Be sure to check out this link to a chronology of the resurrection from the different gospels. You’ll find it helpful in your study.

Power

Jesus starts by declaring that He has all authority. And authority means power. “Power in the hands of some people is dangerous, but power in the hands of Christ is blessed. Oh, let him have all power! Let him do what he will with it, for he cannot will anything but that which is right, and just, and true, and good.” (Spurgeon.org)

“Because Jesus has this authority, we are therefore commanded to go. It is His authority that sends us, His authority that guides us, and His authority that empowers us. His work and message would continue to the world through His disciples.” (enduringword.com) That is, through you and I.

Make disciples

And what does He command His disciples to do? Make disciples. Disciples go into the world and make more disciples then baptize them and teach to obey His commands. This activity is greatly lacking in the church today. There’s an emphasis on conversion, which is essential. But it doesn’t stop there. Disciples are not just sent to preach but to make disciples, the step beyond preaching and salvation. It’s coming alongside the new believer regularly, with an intentionality, to help them grow up in the faith. And actually, I believe discipleship starts before a profession of faith…teaching those interested in the truth, that God is drawing them to Himself, the truths of the Bible.

Key themes come together

“In Jesus’s Great Commission the key themes of Matthew’s Gospel come together: Jesus’s absolute authority, the mission to Jews and Gentiles, the need for allegiance to Jesus’s teachings, and the promise of Christ’s presence. Jesus’s repetition of the word “all” divides these themes nicely: all (pasa) authority, all (panta) nations, all (panta) that he commanded, and with you all (pasas) the days.” (TGC)

RЯeflection

  • Are we doing what disciples are called to do, to make disciples? Take steps now. Do not be afraid. Pray. Go to those God leads you. Take the faith you have and put it to use and watch it grow through others. Use what you have and study to shore up what is lacking. Go in His power!
Jesus is God. Image from http://www.powerpackedpromises.com *

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