Journeying With Jesus - Day 39

Today’s Scripture Reading:

Matthew 28:16-20 AMPC
"Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed and made appointment with them. And when they saw Him, they fell down and worshiped Him; but some doubted. Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be)."

Devotional
The passage we read is titled, “The Great Commission.” While that’s an appropriate header, I don’t know if it fully encapsulates Jesus’ call to the disciples.

We often think of this passage as a call to share the good news, extrinsic to our daily lives. And while that’s true, it’s also a call to serve and a call to give of ourselves. It’s a natural extension of our life in Christ.


The Desiring God website puts it like this: “When our life in him is healthy and vibrant, we not only ache to keep sinking our roots down deep in him, but also to stretch our branches out and extend his goodness to others.”

The author also refers to “disciple making” as more than just speaking the truth. “It is also life-sharing, as Paul writes to the Thessalonians, “we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves” (1 Thessalonians 2:8).”

Personally, I love the more comprehensive coverage. It’s not an excuse to stop us from sharing the gospel. It’s an extension of why we do it and how we share.

Bringing It Home
Who is God placing on my heart with whom to share his truth? Am I sharing myself with others and allowing the gospel to be an extension of my life in Christ?

Lean In
God of love, I thank you for your grace toward all sinners. Especially a sinner like me. Thank you that I get to share the good news out of the abundant joy and peace you’ve poured into my life. I’m blessed to be a blessing. Amen