The Great Commission

After Jesus had gone to the cross and died there, and after He had been buried in the tomb for 3 days, and after He had risen from the dead, he appeared to His apostles and to many of His followers, teaching them things that He wanted them to remember and to do.  It was at this time that He made a statement that is often referenced as the "Great Commission." 

This statement is recorded at the end of the book of Matthew and the book of Mark, saying much the same thing, but with slightly different words.  Note the wording of each and the significance of His teaching:

Matthew 28:  Jesus said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Mark 16: And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.  He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."

These passages/comments were written specifically to His apostles, giving them the charge of going out and preaching.  But we can certainly see that He would want us to carry on this charge, to spread the Good News of His teaching. 

As we read on into the book of Acts, we see the apostles doing just what He taught them to do: going into all the world, at least the known world to them, and converting people to the gospel.  Now it is up to us to do the same, both at home and abroad, starting with our neighbors and friends.  And of course, we must live it daily; easier said than done.

There is our challenge.  Thanks for reading.  Have a great week!