It’s for you
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.” Amen. ~ Matthew 28:19-20
Today, I want to talk about the authority Jesus gave us right before He ascended into heaven. Most of us know these words as the Great Commission, but have you ever stopped to think about what they truly mean for you?
In this passage, Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. Then, without hesitation, He extends that authority to His followers. He is passing the mission on to us. He tells His disciples and by delegation, every believer, to go and make disciples of all nations.
I’ve heard people say that this commission was only for those who were physically present with Jesus that day, but that reasoning doesn’t hold up. If Jesus had intended the mission to end with them, the spread of the gospel would have died when they did. But clearly, it didn’t. The very fact that you and I know Jesus today is because faithful men and women have continued this mission for over 2,000 years.
The key is in Jesus’ command: make disciples. He didn’t just tell them to make converts. He told them to train and equip others to follow Him, just as He had trained and equipped them. True discipleship isn’t about a one-time decision but a lifelong commitment to follow Jesus and help others do the same.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Great Commission is found in Mark’s gospel:
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name, they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
— Mark 16:17-18
For years, I thought miracles and signs were things of the past or something reserved only for the disciples in Jesus’ time. But Scripture makes it clear: signs will follow those who believe. That includes us today. Jesus wants His work to continue on earth, which is why He taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” ~ Matthew 6:10.
His power is still at work. His Spirit is still moving. And He is still calling us to be His hands and feet in the world.
So, what does this mean for you today? How do you and I step into this calling?
- Start by sharing the message. Even if you don’t always have the chance to disciple someone long-term, you can plant a seed. Whether it’s a coworker, a neighbor, or a stranger, sharing the gospel is the first step.
- Help others take their next steps. If someone is receptive to the message, don’t just leave them wondering what to do next. Encourage them to get connected with a local church, join a small group, or start a devotional that will help them grow in their faith.
- Look for opportunities for God to move. Signs and wonders are meant to follow believers. When someone is hurting, offer to pray for them. When someone is sick, believe for God’s promise of healing. God’s power is still working, and He wants to move through you to bring His love and miracles into people’s lives.
- Live the message. Discipleship isn’t just about words, it’s about a life transformed by Jesus. People should see the evidence of Christ in the way we love, serve, and lead others closer to Him.
Today I encourage you to remember that Jesus, the head of the church, has given us the main purpose and objective for our lives. The question is, will we respond? The world is waiting for hope, and you have the message they need. So take that step of faith and Go and make disciples.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting us with the mission of sharing the gospel. I receive the calling You have placed on my life to make disciples and share the hope of Jesus. Give me boldness to speak, wisdom to guide, and faith to believe for miracles. Help me to see the opportunities around me and step into them with courage. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done, through my life, as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 28:9-20
9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened.
12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,
13 saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’
14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.”
15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.
17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 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,
20 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.” Amen.
The Daily Dose 