Last night was our last HUB of the school year. I thought it fitting to look at the last words Jesus spoke to his disciples before ascending to Heaven. Since the resurrection, Jesus had appeared to his disciples a handful of times. But this encounter would be the last one. What would he say? With what would he leave them?
Matthew 28:16-20
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped 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."
In the end, what mattered most to Jesus? In his last conversation with the disciples, how did he encourage and challenge them?
Jesus had spent 3 years with his disciples and here in this final conversation he tells them to go out and love on people. Spread truth to everyone around them. Tell others about how their life can be transformed from the inside out when lived in relationship with Jesus. Help people to see that life will only begin to make sense when they come to know they were created for a purpose that is only found in Christ.
Out of their love, devotion, and passion for Christ, the disciples took Jesus's words to heart and went out to change the world. They left everything behind to bring the gospel to the nations.
I don't think these words (often called The Great Commission) were meant only for the 11 disciples. No, I am positive they are meant for you and for me, also. In life we are called to two things: to love God and love others. Our life is a reflection of our response to God's love for us. May we never stop telling people about Jesus. May we never stop offering hope to the hopeless. May we never stop encouraging friends, family, and strangers with the only truth that will hold up: the love of Christ.
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