Therefore, Go and Make Disciples of All the Nations

Matthew 28:18-20 (New Living Translation)

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus has risen from the dead. He will soon be returning to the Father. The words a person gives as they are about to leave those they have invested in for a period of time are extremely important. These words are the mission statement of the Body of Christ. We are not called to build social clubs that entertain the masses and fit what we selfishly desire for the name of Jesus. We are called to go forth and make disciples of all nations.

This word nations means groups of people linked by kinship, land, and culture. Jesus is not focused on the countries that are listed on a map that designate an area of land, Jesus is focused on the people within these nations. He is focused on every tribe, tongue, and people. The heart of Jesus is to simply reach the lost. He came to seek and save those who are lost. Sometimes in the body of Christ we can become distracted by things that have nothing to do with the mission that Jesus gave us.

Jesus not only calls us to disciple but to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism is not a requirement of salvation, but it is extremely important in the life of the believer. It is a public declaration that we are a disciple of Jesus Christ. That we have died with Christ and we have risen with Him to new life. Everything Jesus has done for us points to restoration and healing. Before we met Jesus we were lost. But once we come to know Jesus, things will never be the same.

An important part of discipling people is teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded us. God’s word should determine the way we live our lives. It is the lens through which we view life. The only way to live victoriously as a Christian is according to the word of God. Without the word of God, transformation and change are impossible. For Paul tells us we are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

The greatest promise Jesus has given us is that He will be with us always. There is not a time on this earth when we walk with Jesus that the Lord is not with us and He is not guiding us. The Holy Spirit lives inside of us. He leads and guides us into all truth. He empowers and equips us for service. The key to living victoriously and accomplishing all that God has planned is surrendering fully to the work and person of the Holy Spirit.

Today may we take these words of Jesus seriously. May they determine the course of our lives and how we attack life every day. As Christians we are on mission daily. Everywhere we are is a mission field because lost people are found there. May the heart of Jesus be produced within us and our desire be to seek and save the lost. We have the honor to introduce and lead people to Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Father, today I come and ask you to forgive me for failing to live on mission. I ask you to forgive me for allowing things that have nothing to do with your kingdom and eternity to distract me. Help me each day to live on mission. I pray that Matthew 28:18-20 would be the driving force in all that I do. I pray my heart would be fully surrendered to your work and leading. May my life truly be a vessel of your glory. May you give me the courage and boldness needed to share the truth of who Jesus is with those who are lost and in darkness. In the name of Jesus, Amen!