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
After Jesus directs the disciples to come and meet with Him, He tells them to go. He tells them to go and to find others who are not yet disciples and who have not yet heard the Good News. We have received the same commission today. We have been fed and nourished by hearing the Good News of Jesus and by receiving the very body and blood of Christ in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Now, we are being commissioned to go and tell others about His life, death and resurrection. We are being called to go out and invite others to come to places where they can experience the real presence of Jesus Christ. We do this by sharing our faith and telling our own story. These are not easy tasks. It is not easy to go and invite others to come and experience Jesus. It is not easy to share our faith with others. We face the fear of being turned down or rejected. That is why Jesus promises to be with us. He tells us that He will give us the strength and courage we need to tell others just how important Jesus is to us and all that Jesus can and will do for them.
Prayer
Commissioning God, help us to hear your call to go and tell others the Good News of what you have done for your people. Remind us that, as we take the Good News to our families, friends and neighbors, we are not alone but are joined by you through the gift of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.