Evangelism
The Great Commission
This devotional is written by Helen Augustin. Helen is married to Joey.
Matthew 28:18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'
When we talk about our faith to our non-Christian friends and colleagues, we're opening that door a little wider sharing a bit more of who we are, some may just take a glance and move on, but some might actually like what's behind that door and be intrigued and find out a little more!
What part of yourself might you be hiding? Stand in God's light today, knowing his full love, acceptance, and forgiveness of you.
When we talk about our faith to our non-Christian friends and colleagues, we're opening that door a little wider sharing a bit more of who we are, some may just take a glance and move on, but some might actually like what's behind that door and be intrigued and find out a little more!
What part of yourself might you be hiding? Stand in God's light today, knowing his full love, acceptance, and forgiveness of you.
Reflection
I find this one of the most challenging commands of Jesus. "Therefore go... make disciples... baptise and teach". These are all strong imperatives that require an active stance. Persuading, winning over, initiating others and teaching - if I'm honest, most of these don't really appeal to me. In fact, the cynical, world weary part of me is quick to hear it as a global sales pitch.
However Jesus states two key things before and after giving these imperatives which are reminders of the magnitude of the context to this. Firstly, He assures us that He has been given all spiritual and earthly authority. This battle has already been won. In other words, this is not the human game of persuading people to become Jesus club members so that the Jesus business grows. Rather, this is about including every soul to partake in a spiritual truth which is already ultimate, present and not subject to change whether membership increases or decreases. The second assurance given is that Jesus will be with us to the end of the age. He is present to us, always and forever. This is a living truth that we are invited to be continually part of, and not some pyramid scheme which we are left to manage alone.
The great commission can be hugely challenging, especially when viewed through our own earth and era limited lens. But with Jesus's authority and promise to be always with us, it is easier to understand the need to actively include others in a celebration that is immediate, ongoing and eternal.
However Jesus states two key things before and after giving these imperatives which are reminders of the magnitude of the context to this. Firstly, He assures us that He has been given all spiritual and earthly authority. This battle has already been won. In other words, this is not the human game of persuading people to become Jesus club members so that the Jesus business grows. Rather, this is about including every soul to partake in a spiritual truth which is already ultimate, present and not subject to change whether membership increases or decreases. The second assurance given is that Jesus will be with us to the end of the age. He is present to us, always and forever. This is a living truth that we are invited to be continually part of, and not some pyramid scheme which we are left to manage alone.
The great commission can be hugely challenging, especially when viewed through our own earth and era limited lens. But with Jesus's authority and promise to be always with us, it is easier to understand the need to actively include others in a celebration that is immediate, ongoing and eternal.
Recent
Archive
2024
January
February
March
2023
January
No Comments