Day 64: March 31

March 31st, 2024
by Christine Eliason

SCRIPTURE
Matthew 28:19-20

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. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

OBSERVATION
These are Jesus' final words in Matthew. This is following His resurrection, but before His ascension.

This is a passage of scripture we refer to as The Great Commission.

Variations of this are repeated for us 5 times in the NT. Once in each of the four Gospels and then once at the beginning of Acts (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:47, John 20:21 and Acts 1:8).

Because it is repeated in each of the Gospels, I think it is safe to say that this is very important concept Jesus wants us to hear and follow.

If you have been at Calvary Church any length of time, this should be very familiar to you as our mission statement is to Learn, Live and Share the Good News of Jesus. We are to learn the good news, live the good news as disciples, and as we share the good news we make more disciples.

APPLICATION
Disciples are more than people who have prayed to accept Christ. That is really just the beginning. Once the ‘Amen’ is said, there needs to be learning, living and sharing to become a disciple.

Romans 10:9-13 tells us that it is faith alone that saves us. “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Becoming a convert happens instantaneously, but becoming a disciple takes a lifetime. Becoming a disciple STARTS with a decision, but growing as a disciple is living your life for Jesus.

So first we come to know Jesus and declare publicly our identity with Him through baptism, then we follow Him in obedience. The "following" is what makes us disciples.

Here are a few things Jesus said a disciple would look like….

John 8:31-32 says “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”

John 13:34-35- 34 says “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”

John 15:5 says “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

Jesus ends this commission with a promise. He will ALWAYS be with us. He has sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us to help transform us.

PRAYER
Lord, Thank you for the Promise and Hope of Your resurrection! For the Good News of Jesus' defeat over sin and the grave! I stand in awe that You love me and call me to follow You. Help me to live my life for You: To be faithful in learning, living, and sharing the Good News of Jesus. Thank you that I do not do this alone, but I can rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me for all of my days. Amen.

Posted in Book of Matthew
Posted in Great Commission, Disciples, Learn Live Share