Mt 28.16-20

Psg: Mt 28.16-20 (http://biblia.com/bible/gs-netbible/Mt28.16-20)
Date: 5/20/12

Read

28:16 So* the eleven disciples went to Galilee to the mountain Jesus had designated. 28:17 When* they saw him, they worshiped him,* but some doubted.* 28:18 Then Jesus came up and said to them,* "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 28:19 Therefore go* and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,* 28:20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember,* I am with you* always, to the end of the age."*

Record

Therefore go...

Reflect

• We focus on the "go" / "going" / "as you go" - the action, the command. But it's not just "go." It's "therefore go." Go because of something.
• Go because all authority on heaven and earth has been given to Christ. Because he has all authority, go make disciples.
• Making disciples cannot be done apart from Christ's authority, and must be done because of his authority.
• The question: how does his authority affect our task of going and making disciples?
• It motivates us, because his authority will also be over those who reject him.
• It frees us, because it's his power and authority at work, not just what little we can muster.
• It commands us, because he sends us out based on his authority.
• It focuses us, because we are on the right team - on the team of the one who has all authority.
• It prioritizes things for us, because this is what the authoritative one wants us to do.
• It obligates us, because the one with the authority has given this purpose to all of us.
• It points us in the direction of joy, because this is the joy of the one who has all authority over heaven and earth.
• It empowers us, because he will not send us out having that authority, but not applying it to our obedience to the commission.
• …?

Respond

• Forgive me for treating the Great Commission like a Really Good Suggestion.
• You have all authority in heaven and earth. Because you have that, you send us out - you send me out. And you send me out grounded by that authority.
• Change every part of me that doesn't want to go.