Matthew 28:16-20 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 28:16-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 16Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. Verse 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Verse 18And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Verse 19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Verse 20and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Devotion
The familiar Great Commission of Jesus begins with his claim of authority in heaven and on earth. This is the basis on which Jesus commands his disciples saying "Therefore, go." The question of authority was a serious issue for religious leaders of Jesus' time. Earlier in Matthew (21:23) we find religious leaders asking Jesus by what authority is he doing this or who has given him authority. Here Jesus claims all authority in heaven and on earth. Interestingly, Jesus does not perform any miracle to prove his authority but, instead, tells his disciples to "go."
It is worth our time to think about ‘going’ in today's context. In our busy and quick-paced world, we are constantly on the go, with less and less time for family, friends, fellowship and God. This moves us increasingly into isolation and self-centeredness. In contrast, when we 'go' after Jesus’ command, we leave our comfort zone; we go where he wants, even against our will sometimes. Jesus' authority is both a blessed assurance of whose we are and a gracious mandate to go.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, grant your Holy Spirit so that we would continuously go behind you to your people around the world with your good news of new and abundant life. In Jesus' name, Amen.