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"Go... make disciples - I myself will be with you"

July 30, 2022
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Daily Scripture

Matthew 28:16-20

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 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, 20 teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Daily Reflection & Prayer

We call today’s Scripture “the Great Commission.” That commission included (and includes) caring about “all nations,” always choosing to invest our energy and talents in making the lives of others better. “Making disciples” is not a part-time effort—something you do when you have nothing more important on your agenda. Jesus called all his people to an ongoing choice to invest your talents to “make disciples.” A “disciple” is not just someone who knows some facts about Jesus. A disciple intends to imitate Jesus in all parts of life. “The central task given Jesus’ followers is to make disciples, with going, baptizing, and teaching serving this central task. Note that they are to make disciples for Jesus (whose commandments they are to obey; cf. Matthew 7:21-27), not for themselves.” *

  • This passage gave both a command, and a promise. Jesus addressed the command to all his followers: “Go…make disciples of all nations…baptizing them…and teaching them.” In what ways are you gifted to help carry out this commission? In what ways does Jesus’ command give “the church” an attitude like a hospital that is open 24/7, not a fortress shut tightly against “enemies” or “outsiders”? Jesus’ promise was far more priceless than anything a MasterCard could buy you: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” He made that promise based on having “all authority in heaven and on earth.” In his day, that meant not even the Roman Empire could block him from being with his followers. And no power on earth today has the authority to make Jesus abandon you. How can knowing Jesus is with you give you courage, strength and peace? How can it make us fearless as a congregation?
Prayer

Lord Jesus, I want to glorify you with my faithful commitment to make disciples. Help me remember that you are always present with me as I live out your commission. Amen.

GPS Insights

 Sydney Scott

Sydney Scott

Sydney Scott is a Junior at Grand Canyon University, studying Digital Design and Animation. She enters the world of creatives to make a change and impact others through art and sharing the love of God. Driven to serve others, she is an intern for Student Ministries this summer at COR. During college, she is involved with the Refugee Ministry and Habitat for Humanity.

Doubt is something I struggle with in my faith. Not meaning I don’t think Jesus is real. More of doubting that he loves me because I let my own thoughts and negativities overshadow it. I am an intern for Student Ministries this summer, and when deciding whether take the job I struggled with wondering if it was the right decision for me. That spiraled me into a month-long frustration with Jesus, begging him to speak to me or show me something. In that month-long inner debate, a friend of mine actually recommended I read today’s GPS chapter. Little did I realize that was how God spoke to me. After reading the passage I was reminded of why I loved hanging out with youth. I got to show them how Jesus loves them, and the great joy you feel when He is abundant in your life.

I’m reminded that He will be with me through it all. “Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.” When I read this verse I feel as though God is speaking frankly with me, saying, “Look here, girl, I will be walking right by you.” What peace! And we get to share that peace with others! Think of living a life without the comfort of Jesus always having your back. Think of how it would be to rely only on yourself for every little thing. Many times we can get caught up in what makes us happy or makes us feel better, but that is the exact opposite of what Jesus calls us to do. In our household it’s a joke to tease the person who is acting like it’s their world and we’re just living in it, but it’s no joke to realize that is how we naturally tend to think day-to-day. This passage is a command to train our minds to stop revolving around ourselves and start revolving around how Jesus served others.

Jesus was constantly serving those around him, praying for them and working to better reach them as well. Constantly learning and trying to get better at sharing God’s love with others is something we need a lot more of in today’s world. Our society is always changing–loving someone two years ago could look very different than loving them presently. There has never been a time when I have walked away from serving someone and thought, “That was a waste of time.” I always walk away with a smile, thinking of the next time I can serve again. Jesus calls us to share the peace we receive to everyone we can reach! He calls us to be looking outward rather than inward.

© 2024 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References

* Eugene Eung-Chun Park and Joel B. Green, study note on Matthew 28:19-20 in The CEB Study Bible. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2013, p. 63 NT.