Hey Church at Litchfield Park family!
I hope you're all doing well and feeling the love of Jesus in your lives. Today, I want to chat about something exciting for all of us who follow Jesus—the Great Commission. As Aimee Wickersham shared in her sermon, Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV) is where Jesus shares an incredible opportunity for his followers. Let's take a look:
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 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 Great Commission is about embracing the chance to spread the Good News and make disciples. Let's explore what this passage means and how it opens up new possibilities in our lives as Jesus' followers.
An Invitation for Everyone
First off, the Great Commission isn't an exclusive club just for pastors, missionaries, or evangelists. It's an invitation for all of us. The disciples were ordinary people like you and me, and Jesus encouraged them to go out and share his message. That means we all have the opportunity to do the same thing, no matter what our daily life looks like.
Empowered by Jesus' Authority
When Jesus offers us this opportunity to go and make disciples, he's not leaving us to figure it out on our own. He tells us that "all authority in heaven and on earth" has been given to him. That means he's got our back, and we can confidently embrace the chance to share the Good News knowing his power is behind us. It's truly amazing to know we're supported by Jesus himself.
A Chance to Share with Everyone, Everywhere
Jesus didn't limit the Great Commission to a specific group of people or a particular location. He encouraged us to make disciples of "all nations." That means we have the chance to share his love and message with everyone we meet, regardless of where they're from or what their background is. It's a wonderful opportunity to bring people together and make a difference in their lives.
Baptizing and Teaching as a Journey
Jesus also mentioned baptizing people and teaching them to follow his commands. This reminds us that our journey with others doesn't end once we've shared the Good News. It's an ongoing process of growth and support, helping one another develop in our faith and become committed followers of Jesus. We can invite others to church, join a life group or discipleship group, join a Bible study together, or simply have meaningful conversations about faith over coffee. The possibilities are endless, and it's a beautiful journey we can share with others.
Partnering with Fellow Believers
The Great Commission isn't a solo mission. We have the opportunity to work together with fellow believers in sharing the Gospel and making disciples. Whether we're praying for each other, sharing our experiences, or collaborating on outreach projects, the Great Commission unites us and strengthens our faith community. We can learn from one another, support each other, and celebrate the victories together.
A Ripple Effect of Love and Hope
When we share Jesus' love and message with others, it doesn't just impact one person—it creates a ripple effect that can reach far beyond our expectations. Each person we touch with the Good News has the potential to share it with others, multiplying the impact and spreading the love of Jesus even further. By embracing the Great Commission, we have the opportunity to play a part in a much larger story, one that can bring hope and transformation to countless lives.
Conclusion
So, friends, let's take hold of the opportunities presented by the Great Commission with enthusiasm and joy. It's an amazing chance for all of us to make a difference in the world, to share the love of Jesus, and to grow together as a community of believers. We can trust in Jesus' promise to be with us always, to the very end of the age, guiding and empowering us every step of the way. Let's embark on this journey together, embracing the adventure and witnessing the incredible impact it can have on the lives of those around us.