4 Minute Read

Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Leviticus 13
Matthew 28

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Matthew 28:18-20 (CSB): “Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'”

Reflecting on God’s Word

Certain places in Scripture rise above the rest, either because of the truth they reveal or the importance of their command. The verses I have chosen for today fit into the latter.

These verses are commonly called “The Great Commission.” They are some of Jesus’ final words on earth, as He commissioned each one of His followers to make disciples far and wide around the world. Let’s quickly look at what Jesus said.

Matthew 28:18 (CSB): “Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.'”

Jesus has all authority. Therefore, He has the right to tell anyone and everything in Heaven and on earth what to do and expect them to comply. He said this right before giving the Great Commission, so He wants us to be clear that He expects obedience from each of us.

Matthew 28:19 (CSB): “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”

Jesus told us to make disciples of all nations. Our mission isn’t merely to get people saved; we are also to help saved people grow in Christlikeness through obedience. Our sphere isn’t merely local. We are to make disciples locally, to the opposite end of the earth, and everywhere in between. After salvation, the first step of obedience is to go public with one’s faith, and that is done by being baptized.

Matthew 28:20 (CSB): “teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Jesus told us our work is not done after someone is saved and baptized. We are then responsible for helping them understand how to study, believe, and apply the Bible to their lives. To help us stay encouraged and motivated, Jesus reminded us that He is with us as we carry out this task.

How long has it been since you have led someone to the Lord? Have you ever led someone to the Lord? Have you helped people grow in their walk with Jesus through formal teaching or one-on-one discipleship?

No matter what else we do in life, we absolutely must obey the words of Jesus’ Great Commission.

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you realize what is on the line if someone does not become a Jesus-follower. They will spend an eternity in Hell apart from God’s loving presence forever.
  • Ask God to help you study the Gospel and prepare to share the Good News with an unbeliever.
  • Ask God to give you the courage and wisdom as you share.
  • Ask God to bring someone into your path today that you can share the Good News with.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into what the Great Commission is and what it requires, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“What is the Great Commission?”

“Why are believers called to be ‘teaching them to observe all things’ (Matthew 28:20)?”

If you want to watch as someone shares the Gospel with complete strangers to learn how you can do the same thing, I would encourage you to go to YouTube and look up “Way of the Master” and search for witnessing clips. I will share a 6-minute witnessing clip video here:

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)