‘…Jesus came and spoke…saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” – Matthew 28:18-19 (NKJV)
All authority has been given to us through Jesus Christ. The Lord has commissioned us. This is an authoritative command, not a suggestion, similar to an officer reminding a private of his rank before giving the order.
In Matthew 9:37 (NKJV), Jesus says, “…The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” As disciples, Jesus has commanded us 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 through the world through us, His disciples.
Charles Spurgeon wrote, ‘’No disciple was perfect; Peter was known as the rash and the headstrong. John sometimes wishes to call fire from heaven to destroy men. Philip, with whom the Saviour has been so long, and yet he has not known Him. Doubting, Thomas wanted to put his finger into the print of the nails, or he would not believe Him. Yet the Master says to them, ‘Go ye; all power is given unto me, therefore go ye. You are as good for my purpose as anybody else would be. There is no power in you, I know, but then all power is in Me, therefore go ye.’”
Let’s remember that disciples are made. They are not spontaneously created at conversion; they are the product of a process involving Jesus and other believers. This making of disciples is the power of spreading Christianity. “The aim of Jesus’ disciples, therefore, is to make disciples of all men everywhere, without distinction.” (Carson)
“Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:20 – NKJV) – disciples are made through teaching. This teaching is not with words only but with the power of the ever-present Holy Spirit. He will be present with His people until the job of making disciples is done, i.e., until the end of the age.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your protection, direction, and grace to carry on Your work for Your glory in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Read: Matthew 5:11-12; Matthew 10:16-17
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 39; Luke 8:19-39; Numbers 29:12-40; Numbers 30; Numbers 31:1-24
