The final instructions of Jesus, our Head and King.

Matthew 28: 18 – 20.  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.”

There is a legend which tells of the return of Jesus to heaven after his time on earth. He bore the marks of his cruel cross and death. The angel Gabriel approached him and asked, "Master, do all the people know about how you loved them and what you did for them?"

"No," replied Jesus according to this legend, "not yet. Right now only a handful of people in Palestine know."

Gabriel was baffled. "Then what have you done to let everyone know about your love for them?"

Jesus said, "I've asked Peter, James, John, and a few others to tell people about me. Those who are told will tell others, and my story will be spread throughout the earth. Ultimately, all mankind will know about my love."

Gabriel frowned and looked rather sceptical. He said, "But what if Peter denies you again? What if they all run away again in the face of opposition? What if the people who come after them forget? What if way down in the twenty-first century people just don't tell others about you anymore? Do you have another plan if this one fails?"  

Jesus answered, "No. I have no other plan.  I'm counting on them."

It is now twenty centuries later and God still has no other plan. He is counting on people like you and me to tell others about his love for us in Christ. He wants you and me and everyone else to proclaim the Gospel. 

He is counting on us!

Jesus commissioned the church to go and make disciples of all nations.   He is speaking as the One who has all power and authority in heaven and on earth. He is speaking as the One who has the authority to give eternal life.

What Jesus chooses to do with his sovereign authority  and power is to count on his friends and his church to share the Good News of his love, redemption and victory with everyone and every nation. What Jesus wants is more reborn and passionate followers to, with a sense of urgency, tell of his love and resurrection that all may believe in him and become God’s children.   What incredible love and grace!

Christ chooses to be with us, guarding us, protecting us and sharing his power with us when we join the 2000 year old family of disciple making followers.  No matter where we go and no matter what we face, Christ is right there beside us saying:   "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."   (Mat 28:20)