28 Days 2020: Day 9
Jesus authorizes us
Read Matthew 28:19-20 and Luke 10Jesus’ task was to restore mankind back to the Father and to proclaim that Good News that the curse of sin had been broken. When He left He authorized the disciples to continue.
- “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.”
Jesus gave this command to the apostles shortly before He ascended into heaven, and it essentially outlines what Jesus expected the apostles and those who followed them to do in His absence.
It is interesting that, in the original Greek, the only direct command in Matthew 28:19–20 is “make disciples.” The Great Commission instructs us to make disciples while we are going throughout the world. The instructions to “go,” “baptize,” and “teach” are indirect commands—participles in the original.
How are we to make disciples?By baptizing them and teaching them all that Jesus commanded.
“Make disciples” is the primary command of the Great Commission. “Going,” “baptizing,” and “teaching” are the means by which we fulfill the command to “make disciples.”
A disciple is someone who receives instruction from another person; a Christian disciple is a baptized follower of Christ, one who believes the teaching of Christ.A disciple of Christ imitates Jesus’ example, clings to His sacrifice, believes in His resurrection, possesses the Holy Spirit, and lives to do His work.
The command in the Great Commission to “make disciples” means to teach or train people to follow and obey Christ.
Is there more to be done?
- Romans 10:11-15 (NIV) 11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Authorized to make disciples by going and proclaiming the Good News, and baptizing and teaching those who believe.
- Who is supposed to do this?
- What do you think it means to be authorized by Jesus?
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