🌍 Sent with His Authority and Presence

Near the end of Matthew’s Gospel, the risen Lord Jesus meets His disciples on a mountain in Galilee and gives them what we now call the Great Commission.

Some worshiped Him, and some still wrestled with doubts, yet He entrusted this small group with a global mission. In a few clear sentences, He reveals His authority, His command, and His promise.

This matters for us because every believer and every local church is caught up in this same call to go, make disciples, and trust His presence.

The Great Commission

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.

17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

19 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,

20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The passage begins with a striking scene: the eleven disciples see the risen Christ and worship Him, yet Matthew notes that some doubted. The Lord does not cast them aside; instead, He steps near and declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.

On that foundation, He sends them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching people to obey all that He commanded. Mission is not a human project but a response to the sovereign King who has already won the victory through His death and resurrection.

At the heart of this commission is disciple-making, not simply decisions or religious activity. To make disciples means helping people come to saving faith in Christ and then grow in obedience to His Word. Baptism marks them publicly as belonging to Him, joined to His people, and the ongoing teaching of Scripture shapes their lives over time.

This reminds us that evangelism and discipleship belong together; the gospel that saves us by grace alone also trains us to walk in holiness and obedience within the fellowship of the church.

Finally, the Great Commission comes with a promise that steadies fearful hearts. The Lord Jesus assures His followers that He is with them always, to the very end of the age. We do not go in our own strength, wisdom, or courage, but in His presence and under His authority.

Whether we cross oceans or simply cross the street, He is at work before us, in us, and through us. Our task is to be faithful and available, trusting that the risen Lord will use ordinary people to carry His good news to the ends of the earth.

Lord Jesus, risen King with all authority in heaven and on earth, thank You that You have included people like me in Your great mission.

Thank You for dying for my sins and rising again so that I might be forgiven and made Your disciple.

I confess how often I shrink back in fear, comfort, or distraction instead of joining joyfully in Your call to make disciples.

Please give me a deeper love for lost people and a greater confidence in the power of Your gospel.

Help me to be faithful where I am, to speak of You with humility and courage, and to help others grow in obedience to Your Word.

Remind me today that You are with me always, even when I feel weak or uncertain.

Use my life to point others to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks for reading. We’re grateful to be on this journey of learning and growing in the Word together.

Grace and peace,

The Christian Newsletter