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
I wonder how those first disciples processed Jesus' words. When I think about it from their perspective, this "Great Commission" feels so intimidating. So many questions would be running through my head. Where am I supposed to go? How do I baptize people? What am I supposed to teach them? What if they won't listen? What exactly do you mean by "world?" Jesus' last words would cause more questions than answers. But then I would remember again that closing promise: "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matt 28:20). The questions are real and the questions are big. But Jesus is with me. The fear is real and the fear is strong. But Jesus is with me. The doubt is real and the doubt is dark. But Jesus is with me. The journey ahead of them was anything but smooth, but this promise of never being abandoned would keep them going—and us, too.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, when the Great Commission seems too big, and my questions and doubts seem too powerful, help me to remember that you promise to always be with me. Amen.