READ: Matthew 28 (Focus vs. 16-20)
MEMORY VERSE
“Go and make disciples.” Matthew 28:19
BACKGROUND
Early in the basketball season, the coach at our neighborhood middle school seemed to work hardest convincing his players to risk shooting the ball. “Shoot!” he pleaded from the sidelines. His players eagerly passed the ball. Dribbling was a favorite too.
The season was half over before most of them would shed their doubts and try to shoot the ball to score. But “going for it” made all the difference. By obeying their coach, letting go of doubt, and trying—even if they often missed the target—they learned to win.
Jesus teaches us to let go of doubt to obey His call to make disciples.
He explains, “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” (Matthew 28:18-20).
In practical terms, this can mean stepping out of our comfort to share our story of what God has done for us. Or getting involved in the lives of our hurting neighbors, showing them Jesus’ love. Such approaches work, but only if we let go and try them.
Above all, we go in Jesus’ authority to attempt what may look hard—making disciples. But we need not fear. Jesus promised: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (v. 20).
Patricia Raybon
INSIGHT
The Gospels describe Jesus as a man who “taught as one who had authority” (Matthew 7:29) and one who “has authority on earth to forgive sins” (9:6). God has “granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those [God has] given him” (John 17:2).
When Christ sent His twelve disciples out to preach, He gave them His authority to do the work (Matthew 10:1). Before He returned to the Father after His death and resurrection, Jesus entrusted to us the task of telling the world the good news.
He commanded us to tell others about what He’s done for us and to disciple them (28:19-20). We can let go of doubt, for we’re not going out on our own. Christ promised, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (v. 20).
K.T. Sim
APPLICATION
What fears and doubts do you have about making disciples? Why? How can you obey Christ’s call?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“…we go in Jesus’ authority to attempt what may look hard—making disciples.”
PR’s TAKE
The Great Commission entrusted to the Church unfortunately has become the Great Omission. Pr
“…To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplications for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel.” Ephesians 6:18-20
PRAYER
“I need practice making disciples, dear Father, but please encourage me to let go of doubt and try.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“GO, MAKE OF ALL DISCIPLES”
“Go, make of all disciples”:
We hear the call, O Lord,
That comes from you, our Father,
In Your eternal Word.
Inspire our ways of learning
Through earnest, fervent prayer,
And let our daily living
Reveal You everywhere.
“Go make of all disciples”:
Baptizing in the name
Of father, Son and Spirit
From age to age the same.
We call each new disciple
To follow You, O Lord,
Redeeming soul and body
By water and the Word.
“Go make of all disciple”:
We at Your feet would stay
Until each life’s vocation
Accents Your holy way.
We cultivate the nature
God plants in every heart
Revealing in our witness
The Master Teacher’s art.
“Go make of all disciples”:
We welcome Your command;
“Lo, I am with you always”:
We take Your guiding hand.
The task looms large before us
We follow without fear
In heav’n and earth Your power
Shall bring God’s kingdom here.
